Overview: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiated enforcement action in August against beverages containing artificial or nature-identical flavouring substances, specifically targeting Old Monk. Manufacturer Mohan Rocky Spring Water challenged the restriction in the Bombay High Court, arguing over the product’s classification and labeling claims.
The Full Story
FSSAI enforcement began after laboratory testing identified external, artificial, or nature-identical flavouring substances in several alcoholic beverages. The regulator contends that Old Monk cannot be sold as rum because it utilizes a neutral spirit base with added rum flavoring rather than fermented sugar cane juice. Consequently, the authority argues the product should be identified as a rum-flavoured spirit to reflect its composition accurately.
The dispute extends beyond labeling to product classification under India’s Food Safety and Standards Alcoholic Beverages Regulations 2018. While regulations permit neutral spirits in certain categories, FSSAI maintains that adding flavoring to a neutral spirit does not meet the standard required to be sold simply as rum. The regulator clarified that changing a label does not solve the problem if the underlying product classification is questioned.
Production & Profile
Technical scrutiny focused on the age claim written on the label, specifically the phrase “Seven years old blended.” Investigation revealed the mature component was reportedly less than 5% of the blend, with mostly neutral unmatured spirit used. The regulator questioned whether the product met the standard required to be sold simply as rum when flavoring is added to a neutral base.
What This Means
The dispute extends beyond labeling to product classification under India’s Food Safety and Standards Alcoholic Beverages Regulations 2018. While regulations permit neutral spirits in certain categories, FSSAI maintains that adding flavoring to a neutral spirit does not meet the standard required to be sold simply as rum. The regulator clarified that changing a label does not solve the problem if the underlying product classification is questioned.
Consumer Takeaway
The manufacturer has indicated willingness to change packaging and remove disputed wording such as “Seven years old blended.” Revised labels include changes intended to make flavour disclosure clearer, though FSSAI notes objection concerns the underlying product classification. Sales restriction remains in Maharashtra while the matter proceeds before the Bombay High Court for further consideration.
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