Old Monk, Bagpiper, Royal Challenge face FSSAI ban; Dabur products also banned

NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the sale of several whisky and rum brands manufactured by leading liquor companies, including United Spirits, Inbrew Beverages and Mohan Rocky Spring Water, after laboratory tests allegedly found the use of artificial flavouring agents.

The banned products include three variants of Old Monk Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, Royal Challenge Whisky, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe Triple XXX Rum.

According to the FSSAI, laboratory tests found that artificial flavours had been added to enhance the taste of these products. The authority said the additives were allegedly used to reduce the quantity of key ingredients such as molasses, malt and grapes used in the manufacturing process. The FSSAI said only bottles produced at certain manufacturing units were found to contain the artificial flavouring agents. The affected products have been placed on the authority's list of substandard products.

Dabur products also banned

The FSSAI has also banned the sale of several products manufactured by Dabur India, alleging that the company made misleading claims on product labels.

The authority said claims such as "100% Pure," "100% Natural," and "100% Juice" cannot be used unless they can be scientifically and legally substantiated. Using such claims without sufficient evidence amounts to a violation of food safety regulations, it said.

The banned Dabur products include Organic Honey, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Homemade Coconut Milk, Sesame Oil, Ghee, Virgin Coconut Oil, and Tender Coconut Water.