FSSAI Bans Select Variants of Old Monk and Other Liquor Brands: Know the Reason

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned three Old Monk variants—The Legend, Gold Reserve, and XXX Matured Rum—manufactured at Mohan Rocky Springwater’s Khopoli unit. The regulator found that these products violated food safety standards by using artificial flavours instead of following the prescribed ageing process. According to FSSAI, the practice misrepresented the quality of the liquor and misled consumers. The authority said manufacturers must comply with established production standards. It added that strict action would continue against such violations.

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FSSAI Bans Popular Liquor Variants for Violating Food Safety Norms

The ban also covers several well-known liquor brands, including McDowell’s No. 1 Rum, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky, Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum, Central Province Whisky, McDowell’s Celebration Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, and Royal Challenge Whisky. FSSAI stated that laboratory testing detected the use of external artificial or nature-identical flavours in these products. The regulator concluded that the products failed to meet the required quality standards. It said the findings raised serious concerns about compliance across multiple brands. Authorities have directed manufacturers to follow the approved manufacturing process.

FSSAI also questioned Old Monk’s claim that its XXX Rum is a “7 Years’ Blended” product. The regulator found that the rum primarily contained unmatured neutral spirit instead of matured rum spirit. Under the regulations, matured rum spirit should make up the required composition, while unmatured spirit should remain within permissible limits. FSSAI said the product’s composition did not support its ageing claim. It concluded that the branding violated food safety regulations and could mislead buyers.

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Regulator Says Artificial Flavours Misled Consumers

In its official statement issued on August 2, FSSAI clarified that no internationally recognised manufacturing practice allows manufacturers to add rum flavour to rum or whisky flavour to whisky. The authority stated that some companies artificially enhanced the aroma and taste of their products before selling them as standard liquor. According to the regulator, this practice created a false impression about the product’s quality. FSSAI stressed that consumers deserve accurate information about the products they purchase. It warned manufacturers against using such misleading techniques.

Laboratory reports further confirmed that artificial flavours masked the natural characteristics of the affected liquor products. FSSAI declared these products substandard because they failed to reflect the genuine taste developed through natural ageing. The regulator stated that manufacturers should market such products as “flavoured” or “premix” rum or whisky instead of standard liquor. It reiterated that transparent labelling is essential to protect consumer interests. The authority said it will continue monitoring compliance and enforcing food safety regulations across the alcoholic beverage industry.

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