The regulator has also raised concerns about misleading claims regarding the maturing or blend age of the alchobev products
| Photo Credit:
bl-online Administrator
Continuing with its crackdown on food business operators for violations of food safety norms, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a set of fresh notices to leading alcoholic beverage players for alleged non-compliance of regulatory provisions related to added flavours. The regulator has also raised concerns about misleading claims regarding the maturing or blend age of the alchobev products.The FSSAI did not specify the names of the players who have been sent notices. However, sources said that notice have been sent some of the leading alchobev players that hold central licenses selling products in segments especially in rum and whiskey.In a social media post, FSSAI said that notice has been issued to “Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages, licensed under the FSS Act, 2006, for violating the provisions stipulated under the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018.”One of the key concerns raised by the food regulator includes prohibited use of added flavours in these products. “Certain manufacturers are blending added flavours that mimic a product’s natural profile in products such as Rum, Brandy, Gin, Malt or Grain Whisky, Wine, and Beer. This directly contravenes the regulation stating that these products must exclusively possess their true, natural characteristic taste and aroma,” it stated.In its post, FSSAI said that some alchobev players have also been found to make “unauthorised age claims” with regards to the maturing or ageing process of the products. “FBOs are making unauthorised age claims using words, synonyms, or indirect expressions denoting age without strictly adhering to Regulation 1.3.7 of the FSS (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. Products carrying the word “aged” or associated age claims have failed to ensure that the declared age refers strictly to the youngest spirit utilized in the blend,” it added.FSSAI said these concerned companies have been directed to ensure compliance and submit an explanation as to why action should not be initiated under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.The food safety regulator has sent notices to several players over the past few days over misleading claims as well as violations of labelling regulations after taking suo motu cognisance or due to consumer complaints.Published on July 9, 2026
