Old Monk Is Not ‘Rum’? FSSAI Tells Bombay HC It Must Be Sold as ‘Rum-Flavoured Spirit’

Iconic liquor brand Old Monk cannot be sold under the label of "rum" because it is produced using a neutral spirit blended with added rum flavoring, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) told the Bombay High Court. Appearing before a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad, counsel for the food safety regulator clarified that the central dispute centers on the fundamental nature of the product rather than mere packaging text. FSSAI argued that under existing safety norms, the beverage must instead be categorized and marketed as a "rum-flavoured spirit."

The court was hearing the matter after manufacturer Mohan Rocky Springwater submitted revised product packaging labels for review, following regulatory concerns over misleading consumer information. FSSAI Halts CG Foods 'Veg Bhujia Namkeen' Production; Know the Reason.

Classification Dispute Over Additives

The legal tussle originates from laboratory tests conducted by FSSAI, which detected the presence of external artificial or nature-identical flavoring agents across several popular spirit brands.

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, standardized spirits such as rum and whisky are required to retain their traditional characteristic taste and aroma derived from standard distillation and aging processes. The regulator contended that adding artificial flavoring to a neutral alcohol base alters the product's identity, making the "rum" classification misrepresentative.

FSSAI has maintained that while the product remains safe for consumption, its ingredients mandate a distinct classification to inform buyers accurately. FSSAI Acts Against British Lifesciences Over Misbranded Baby Food, 3.7 Tonnes of Expired Products Destroyed.

Revised Labels and Financial Impact

During earlier proceedings, Old Monk’s manufacturer agreed to modify its packaging, specifically removing misleading claims such as the phrase "7 years old blended." The court previously expressed concern that such text could lead consumers to believe the entire spirit was aged for seven years. Justices also pointed out that critical disclaimer text on the older packaging was printed in fonts too small for ordinary consumers to read clearly.

Representing the manufacturer, Senior Counsel Navroz H. Seervai informed the bench that the ongoing sales ban has resulted in substantial commercial damage, costing the company approximately ₹1 crore per day over a 120-day enforcement period. The court directed the state excise department to review the revised label design on an urgent basis. FSSAI requested additional time to evaluate the proposed packaging changes, leading the High Court to adjourn the matter for its next hearing on September 11.

Wider Industry Compliance

Old Monk is not the only brand impacted by the regulatory crackdown. FSSAI previously took enforcement action against several major market offerings, including specific variants of McDowell’s No. 1 Rum, Royal Challenge Whisky, Antiquity Blue Whisky, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky, and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum.

The regulatory push has already prompted movement across the spirits industry. On August 24, rival manufacturer United Spirits withdrew its legal challenge after agreeing alongside parent company Diageo to comply with FSSAI directives. Key industry players are opting to adjust packaging declarations or remove disputed flavoring additives while preserving the core taste profiles of their products.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 10:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).