Archive · 2 Aug 2026
FSSAI Bans Sale of Several Rum and Whisky Brands
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, said that some alcohol makers were adding fake flavours to their drinks to make them taste like rum or whisky.
This is not allowed because it can trick people.
FSSAI stopped selling several rum and whisky brands that did this, like Old Monk Rum and McDowell’s No.
1 Rum.
They also warned other makers in Maharashtra and Goa.
Most alcohol makers still follow the rules, so the problem is only with a few companies.
FSSAI clarified that identical flavouring in alcoholic drinks is prohibited if it misleads consumers.
The regulator banned sale of several rum and whisky brands from Mohan Rocky Springwater, United Spirits, INBREW Beverages, and Associated Alcohol & Breweries.
Enforcement actions include notices to six manufacturers in Maharashtra and inspections at Mandexi Distilleries in Goa.
FSSAI stressed that most producers still comply with standards and that the issue is limited to non‑compliant products.
The ban covers specific variants: Old Monk Rum (Legend, Gold Reserve, XXX Matured), McDowell’s No. 1 Rum, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky, Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum, Central Province Whisky, McDowell’s No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, and Royal Challenge Whisky.
- Who
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- What
- Prohibited sale of alcoholic beverages using non‑permitted identical flavouring
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure authenticity and prevent misleading additives in alcoholic drinks
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Action
- Prohibited sale of specific alcoholic beverages
- Affected Brands
- Old Monk Rum, McDowell’s No. 1 Rum, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky, Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum, Central Province Whisky, McDowell’s No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, Royal Challenge Whisky
- Regions Involved
- Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa
- Manufacturers Notified
- 6 in Maharashtra