Is Your Whisky Really ‘Aged’? FSSAI Flags Misleading Labels, Added Flavours in Alcoholic Beverages
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to several alcoholic beverage manufacturers over alleged violations related to unauthorised added flavours and misleading age related claims on product labels. The move puts brands across the whisky, brandy, gin, rum and vodka categories under scrutiny.
Is your whisky really "aged" as the label claims? Does its distinctive taste come naturally or from added flavours? These questions have come under the spotlight after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to alcoholic beverage manufacturers over the alleged use of unauthorised flavours and misleading age-related claims on product labels. The move puts brands across the whisky, brandy, gin, rum and vodka categories under scrutiny.
What FSSAI Found
FSSAI issued the notices after identifying alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. The companies involved have been asked to explain why enforcement action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Why FSSAI Flagged 'Fresh Paneer' Claims on Heritage Foods Packaging.
FSSAI Issues Notices To Whisky, Alcohol Manufacturers Over Unauthorised Flavours And Misleading Age Claims
Among the key violations flagged is the alleged use of added flavours in products where such additives are prohibited. Under existing regulations, beverages including brandy, gin, rum, vodka and whisky are required to derive their characteristic flavour solely from the raw materials used and the manufacturing process itself. FSSAI Issues Notices to Red Bull, PepsiCo India, Campa, Sting, Other Brands Over 'Energy Drink' Claims.
The 'Aged' Label Issue
FSSAI also objected to products carrying the word "aged" or other age related claims without the mandatory disclosure clarifying that the declared age refers to the youngest spirit used in the blend, as required under the regulations.
The regulator said this omission could mislead consumers into believing a product is older than its actual composition indicates, raising concerns about transparency in labelling practices across the industry.
Industry Response
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies said in a statement that FSSAI has called for consultations with stakeholders, including industry associations, in the coming week. The body said its members strictly follow all norms and guidelines mandated by FSSAI.
The regulator has not disclosed how many manufacturers have been served notices so far.
What Happens Next
A meeting of stakeholders has been scheduled for July 14 to discuss the issue further, officials said. The notices also require manufacturers to respond and explain why enforcement action should not be taken against them for the alleged violations.
The action comes as FSSAI sharpens its focus on truthful labelling and accurate product claims across food categories, with growing scrutiny of misleading declarations and regulatory compliance industry wide.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 12:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).