New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified its position regarding the action taken against major liquor companies. Addressing media reports, the FSSAI clarified that the crackdown is not against the entire liquor industry; instead, action has been taken only against companies that were flouting regulations by adding unapproved flavors and making misleading claims to consumers.
The ‘Extra Neutral Alcohol’ Issue
According to the FSSAI, investigations revealed that some companies were using ‘Extra Neutral Alcohol’ (ENA) instead of producing authentic rum or whisky through traditional methods. ENA lacks any distinct flavor or aroma of its own. Companies were adding external rum or whisky flavors to it and selling the product in the market as genuine rum or whisky.
The authority states that this amounts to outright consumer deception, as the true nature of the product was not disclosed on the front of the bottle. Laboratory analysis of samples revealed the presence of artificial and nature-identical flavors, which mask the product’s authentic aroma and natural taste.
During this enforcement drive, a major claim made by the popular brand ‘Old Monk XXX Rum’ also came under scrutiny. The FSSAI deemed Old Monk’s claim of being ‘7 Years Old Blended’ to be misleading. Lab tests revealed that the rum marketed as ‘7 years old’ contained less than 5 percent of 7-year-old rum.
The majority of the blend consisted of unmatured neutral spirit. Under FSSAI regulations, if an age claim is made for a blended spirit, it must be based on the age of the youngest spirit used in the blend.
Is the addition of flavors completely banned?
The FSSAI has also clarified that there is no blanket ban on adding flavors. In accordance with regulations and for valid technical reasons, additives such as coffee, vanilla, or other natural flavors are permitted. However, adding rum flavoring to rum or whisky flavoring to whisky is strictly prohibited, as these flavor and aroma profiles must arise naturally from the production process.
Following the discovery of irregularities in lab reports, the FSSAI has banned the sale of products from several major brands:
Mohan Rocky Springwater (Khopoli): Ban on three variants of Old Monk Rum.
United Spirits (Baramati): Ban on McDowell’s No.1 Rum.
INBREW Beverages (Madhya Pradesh): Ban on Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum.
Associated Alcohol & Breweries (Madhya Pradesh): Action taken against Central Province Whisky and McDowell’s No.1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum.
United Spirits (Madhya Pradesh): Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky have faced regulatory action.
Additionally, inspections and sample collections have been conducted at Goa-based Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries, while notices have been issued to six other liquor manufacturing companies in Maharashtra.
Conditional Relief
Following appeals by two companies, the FSSAI has granted permission to sell existing stock subject to certain strict conditions. The stipulation is that the product’s true and actual nature must be clearly stated on the front of the packaging. Furthermore, there will be a complete ban on adding rum-like or whisky-like flavors to Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) in future production.
