FSSAI Takes Action Against Alcohol Brands for Misleading Claims

FSSAI Issues Warnings to Alcohol Manufacturers

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced on Thursday that it has sent notices to manufacturers of alcoholic beverages regarding the unauthorized use of flavor additives and failure to comply with age-related regulations.

These notices were issued due to breaches of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. The FSSAI found that several companies were not adhering to rules concerning the prohibited use of added flavors, misleading age claims, and the disclosure of blend ages.

The FSSAI stated, "The companies involved have been instructed to comply and provide a justification for why actions should not be taken under the FSS Act, 2006, along with its associated rules and regulations," in a post on social media.

The regulator highlighted that some manufacturers are incorporating added flavors that imitate the natural characteristics of products like Rum, Brandy, Gin, Malt/Grain Whisky, Wine, and Beer.

This practice violates regulations that require these beverages to maintain their authentic taste and aroma.

Additionally, the FSSAI noted that certain manufacturers are making unauthorized age claims using various terms or indirect expressions that imply age, without following Regulation 13.7 of the current regulations. It also pointed out that products labeled as "aged" or with similar age claims have not ensured that the stated age corresponds to the youngest spirit in the blend.

In response to the FSSAI's notice, the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) mentioned that the regulator plans to hold consultations with stakeholders, including industry associations, next week to discuss the issues raised in their media statement.

"All our members adhere strictly to the norms and guidelines set forth by FSSAI," the CIABC added in a separate statement.