BREAKING
Collectors asked to ensure minimum school staffingRakul mesmerizes in leopard-print dressLow pressure again, IMD forecasts heavy rains‘Shiva Gadi Zindagi’ first-single unveiledBengal school HM shot by unidentified assailants diesWhen public banks beat private banks-Why it may not last‘Dookudu’ re-release; Mahesh Babu’s entertainer set to recreate magic againThe art of interview: Beyond answering questionsGovt studying RSS history before deciding next course of action: Minister Priyank KhargeAayush Sharma remains consistent with fitness amid travel across 5 cities in 2 months
National

United Spirits, Associated Alcohol challenge FSSAI action over added flavours

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 06 Aug 2026 2 days ago

New Delhi: United Spirits Limited and Associated Alcohol & Breweries have moved two High Courts against notices issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India over the use of added flavours in alcoholic beverages. The cases have reached the Bombay High Court and the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The dispute centres on flavours that copy the natural profile of a drink, such as adding rum flavour to rum or whisky flavour to whisky. FSSAI has said there is no complete ban on flavouring substances. Its notices focus on the use of flavours that imitate the standard drink itself.

:

United Spirits moves Bombay High Court

United Spirits, part of Diageo, filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court on August 1. The company challenged an FSSAI order dated June 29 concerning a product made at its Baramati unit.

In a regulatory filing, the company said it had “filed a Writ Petition before the Bombay High Court” against the order. The filing said the issue involved product labels that FSSAI claimed were not in line with the relevant rules.

United Spirits said it believes the labels follow the current legal framework and established industry practices.

The Baramati plant produces McDowell’s No. 1 Rum. FSSAI has also named United Spirits’ Madhya Pradesh plant, which produces Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky.

Associated Alcohol case listed in Indore

Associated Alcohol & Breweries moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court on July 31. The Indore bench listed the case for hearing on Wednesday.

FSSAI named the company in connection with Central Province Whisky and the contract manufacturing of McDowell’s No. 1 Celebration matured XXX Rum.

INBREW Beverages was also named in the regulator’s statement. The brands mentioned included Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum.

Industry bodies raise issue with regulator

Industry associations CIABC and ISWAI are taking up the matter with FSSAI. The notices follow action announced by the regulator in July over alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations for alcoholic beverages.

FSSAI said the action also covered non-compliance linked to age-related claims. The regulator initially did not disclose company names.

The court cases could now decide how existing flavour rules apply to alcoholic drinks and whether long-used industry practices meet current labelling and product standards.

Related News