FSSAI Pulls Up Alcohol Companies Over Labelling Compliance
FSSAI has issued notices to several liquor manufacturers over alleged violations related to flavouring practices and age-related claims on alcoholic beverage labels.
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Regulatory compliance in the spirits sector is coming under increased scrutiny, with India’s food safety regulator serving notices to several alcoholic beverage makers for alleged violations regarding flavouring practices and age-related claims on product labels.
Media reports said that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has found non-compliance with provisions under Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. The regulator has asked the companies concerned for an explanation as to why action should not be taken against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and asked them to adhere to the existing rules.
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Labelling Violations:
One of the major concerns of the FSSAI is related to the use of added flavouring agents in alcoholic beverages. Some manufacturers were adding flavourings to products including rum, brandy, gin, malt and grain whisky, wine and beer, although regulations say the beverages must retain their natural taste and aroma characteristics, the regulator said.
FSSAI has also opposed the use of age-related claims on the product labels. The regulator said some manufacturers have used words, expressions or references to suggest that products have been aged without meeting the conditions prescribed under the regulations.
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Industry Consultations:
The regulator further said that some products with terms such as “aged” did not guarantee that the age declared on the label was the same as the age of the youngest spirit used in the blend, which is a requirement under the existing labelling norms.
After the notices, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) said FSSAI has scheduled consultations with industry stakeholders next week to discuss the issues raised by the regulator.
"The member companies of the industry body comply with the standards and regulatory guidelines laid down by FSSAI and will participate in discussions to address the concerns.
