India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has prohibited the sale of select variants of popular liquor brands, including Old Monk, McDowell’s, Bagpiper, Royal Challenge, and Antiquity Blue, after inspections found the use of artificial or “nature identical” flavouring substances in products where such additives are not permitted under Indian standards. The regulator said the affected products were “sub-standard” because the characteristic flavour of whisky and rum must come naturally from raw ingredients and the manufacturing process, rather than from added flavourings.
The action follows weeks of regulatory scrutiny over alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, including the use of prohibited flavour additives and misleading age-related claims. While the liquor industry argues the issue concerns regulatory interpretation rather than product safety, FSSAI maintains that the practice does not comply with established manufacturing standards.
FSSAI Bars Sale of Select Liquor Variants
The prohibition applies to specific products manufactured at identified facilities rather than entire brand portfolios.
According to FSSAI, the affected products include:
- Old Monk – three rum variants produced by Mohan Rocky Springwater in Maharashtra.
- McDowell’s No. 1 Rum – produced at United Spirits’ Baramati facility.
- Royal Challenge Whisky – produced in Madhya Pradesh.
- Antiquity Blue Whisky – produced in Madhya Pradesh.
- Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky – produced by Inbrew Beverages in Madhya Pradesh.
- Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum – produced by Inbrew Beverages in Madhya Pradesh.
Affected Products
| Brand | Company | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Old Monk (selected variants) | Mohan Rocky Springwater | Sale prohibited |
| McDowell’s No. 1 Rum (selected unit) | United Spirits | Sale prohibited |
| Royal Challenge Whisky | United Spirits | Sale prohibited |
| Antiquity Blue Whisky | United Spirits | Sale prohibited |
| Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky | Inbrew Beverages | Sale prohibited |
| Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum | Inbrew Beverages | Sale prohibited |
Why FSSAI Took Action
The regulator said laboratory testing found that some manufacturers added flavourings intended to imitate the natural taste of rum or whisky.
According to FSSAI:
- Whisky and rum must derive their characteristic flavour from ingredients such as malt, molasses or grains and the ageing process.
- Adding rum flavour to rum or whisky flavour to whisky is not an internationally recognised manufacturing practice.
- Such products fail to meet Indian food standards and are therefore classified as sub-standard.
The regulator argued that allowing artificial flavourings could enable manufacturers to replicate mature flavour profiles without relying on traditional production methods.
Industry Disagrees With the Interpretation
The action is part of a broader pattern of regulatory tightening around consumable products, following moves such as India banning over-the-counter sale of medicines containing over 12% alcohol.
The affected companies have not publicly accepted FSSAI’s interpretation.
Industry representatives argue that:
- The dispute concerns regulatory interpretation rather than consumer safety.
- Nature-identical flavouring substances have long been used in affordable Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL).
- Such ingredients have historically been sourced from approved suppliers and used in compliance with existing industry practices.
- Products continue to undergo state excise testing before reaching consumers.
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has also stated that its members comply with applicable regulations and are engaging with FSSAI for further clarification.
Earlier Regulatory Scrutiny
This is not FSSAI’s first action against a major liquor brand this year, after Old Monk faced FSSAI action over its ‘7 Years Old Blended’ label claim.
The latest prohibition follows notices issued by FSSAI in July over:
- Alleged use of prohibited flavour additives.
- Misleading “aged” claims on product labels.
- Non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018.
Those notices signaled a broader crackdown on labelling practices and manufacturing standards across India’s alcoholic beverage industry.
Existing Stock Gets Conditional Relief
Following appeals from some manufacturers, FSSAI has conditionally revoked parts of its prohibition orders, allowing the sale of existing inventory under specified conditions while regulatory proceedings continue. The broader dispute over flavouring practices, however, remains unresolved.
Looking Ahead
FSSAI’s action marks one of the most significant regulatory interventions in India’s alcoholic beverage industry in recent years. By prohibiting the sale of specific Old Monk, McDowell’s, Bagpiper and other liquor variants, the regulator has signaled stricter enforcement of manufacturing standards governing flavouring and product authenticity. While the affected companies argue the issue is one of regulatory interpretation rather than product safety, FSSAI maintains that the use of added rum or whisky flavourings violates established food standards.
Looking ahead, the outcome of ongoing discussions between the regulator and manufacturers could shape future production practices for India’s IMFL industry. Companies may need to reformulate certain products, update manufacturing processes, or seek regulatory clarification, while consumers and investors will be watching closely to see whether the restrictions remain limited to specific manufacturing units or expand further as inspections continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which liquor brands has FSSAI banned variants of?
FSSAI has prohibited the sale of select variants of Old Monk, McDowell’s, Bagpiper, Royal Challenge, and Antiquity Blue, after inspections found artificial or ‘nature identical’ flavouring substances in products where such additives are not permitted.
Why did FSSAI take this action?
FSSAI said the affected products were ‘sub-standard’ because the characteristic flavour of whisky and rum must come naturally from raw ingredients and the manufacturing process, rather than from added flavourings.
What happens to existing stock of the banned variants?
Existing stock of the affected liquor variants has received conditional relief, even as FSSAI’s action moves forward and the industry disagrees with the regulator’s interpretation.
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