New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has questioned Diageo’s claim that Royal Challenge Whisky is ‘matured in American oak casks’, saying the major portion of the spirit is non-matured. The July 20 notice comes as liquor manufacturers challenge FSSAI prohibitory orders before the Bombay High Court, which is scheduled to examine the matter on August 10.
In its confidential July 20 notice to Diageo, FSSAI said Royal Challenge contains grain neutral spirit as its second ingredient after demineralised water, while the “major portion” is non-matured spirit.
The regulator said the complete alcohol content was not matured in wooden casks as claimed on the label and could therefore mislead consumers. FSSAI also said that any age-related claim for spirits in a blend should refer to the youngest spirit used rather than the oldest.
Royal Challenge’s front label describes the product as a blend of Indian grain spirit and imported Scotch, “matured in American oak casks”. Its back label lists demineralised water, grain neutral spirit and Scotch, along with permitted natural colour and added nature-identical whisky flavouring substances.
FSSAI has also questioned the use of the term “Scotch”, saying the description is vague and asking Diageo to specify what type of Scotch is used.
The labelling dispute comes amid wider FSSAI action against select alcoholic beverages.
The regulator has prohibited the sale of Royal Challenge Whisky and Antiquity Blue Whisky manufactured in Madhya Pradesh. The action also covers Inbrew’s Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum produced in the state.
The wider action concerns the use of artificial flavouring substances, including whisky and rum flavours, rather than the ageing and ingredients required under applicable standards. The industry has maintained that its products comply with applicable laws.
The issue has placed greater scrutiny on how spirits are formulated and labelled, particularly claims relating to ageing, maturation and ingredients.
Diageo India, the commonly used name for United Spirits’ local business, said it remains committed to high quality standards and is actively engaging with FSSAI to address its labelling queries.
United Spirits has also told stock exchanges that it does not anticipate financial implications from the action but is closely monitoring the matter.
Royal Challenge remains one of Diageo’s top-selling products in India, with more than 4.5 million nine-litre cases sold annually, according to the company.
The Bombay High Court will examine on August 10 petitions filed by liquor manufacturers challenging FSSAI’s prohibitory orders in United Spirits and Anr v. FSSAI & Ors. The companies approached the court after the regulatory action effectively halted sales of affected Indian-Made Foreign Liquor products. The matter will be heard by a bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad.
Mohan Meakin, associated with brands including Old Monk, is also among the liquor companies that have approached the High Court over the FSSAI action.
The August 10 hearing will determine whether the affected manufacturers can obtain relief against the FSSAI prohibitory orders and resume sales while their challenges are pending.
For consumers, the case raises a broader question about whisky labelling in India: when a bottle highlights maturation, American oak casks or Scotch, how precisely must those claims reflect the spirit inside?
(Rh/ARC/MSM)