Diageo's Local Unit and Inbrew Beverages, Citing the Use of Artificial Flavouring Instead of Proper Ageing and Natural Ingredients

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said tests found some factories were adding flavours of the alcoholic beverage itself, such as rum flavour to rum. "There is no internationally recognised manufacturing practice whereby rum flavour is added to rum or whisky flavour is added to whisky, the FSSAI said in a statement late Sunday. Such flavours would let companies bypass maturation or the use of natural ingredients like molasses, malt, or grapes.

The ban covers Diageo's Indian subsidiary United Spirits, including Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky made in Madhya Pradesh, and Inbrew's Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum from the same state. The FSSAI also banned three variants of Old Monk, one of India's oldest rum brands, made by Mohan Rocky Springwater in Maharashtra. The regulator said the products were "sub-standard due to the presence of external artificial or nature identical flavours.

Diageo India, Inbrew, and Mohan Rocky Springwater did not respond to requests for comment. Two senior industry executives, who declined to be named, said companies were concerned and believed the flavour additions complied with Indian regulations. It was unclear if the ban extended to the same brands produced in other factories or only in a few states.

The FSSAI did not respond to queries. The action comes as the regulator tightens scrutiny of the food and beverage sector, having recently ordered makers of high-caffeine "energy drinks" to drop that description.