Archive · 20 Aug 2026
FSSAI Inspects Pernod Plant, Samples Whiskies Amid Industry Probe
Food safety officials in India visited a Pernod Ricard whisky factory in Bengaluru.
The visit lasted two days.
They took samples of Blenders Pride and Royal Stag whisky for testing.
They also asked the company for some operating documents.
One government source said the factory needed better hygiene.
Officials also reportedly wanted accurate markings about recycled plastic on bottles.
Pernod said inspections are a normal part of following industry rules.
The company said it maintains strong quality and safety standards.
Sources said the inspection had not led to any negative finding against Pernod.
FSSAI officials inspected Pernod Ricard’s Bengaluru plant over two days last week.
Inspectors collected Blenders Pride and Royal Stag whisky samples for testing.
Sources said officials requested operational documents and sought improved hygiene at the facility.
Officials also reportedly asked Pernod to ensure accurate recycled-plastic markings on bottles.
Sources said no adverse findings had been issued against Pernod, amid wider scrutiny of India’s alcohol industry.
- Who
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India officials and Pernod Ricard.
- What
- Officials inspected a Pernod facility, collected whisky samples, and requested documents.
- When
- Over two days last week; Pernod confirmed the visit on Wednesday.
- Where
- Pernod Ricard’s plant in Bengaluru, India.
- Why
- Sources said the inspection was part of wider food-safety and compliance checks across India’s alcoholic-beverages industry.
Regulatory perspective
Company perspective
Purpose of the inspection
Regulatory perspective
The visit was part of broader food-safety and compliance checks covering India’s alcoholic-beverages industry.
Company perspective
Pernod said regulatory inspections are an established part of the industry’s compliance framework and that it is working constructively with authorities.
Facility and packaging compliance
Regulatory perspective
A government source said Pernod was told to improve plant hygiene and ensure that recycled-plastic markings on bottles were accurate.
Company perspective
Pernod said it maintains robust quality and safety standards; sources said the inspection produced no adverse findings.
Wider regulatory pressure
Regulatory perspective
Authorities have scrutinised alcohol composition, labelling, packaging, and manufacturing standards, including products made by Diageo and other companies.
Company perspective
Pernod denies wrongdoing in separate matters involving an import-duty demand, an antitrust case, and a New Delhi liquor-policy ban.
- Inspection duration
- Two days
- Inspected company
- Pernod Ricard
- Location
- Bengaluru, India
- Samples collected
- Blenders Pride and Royal Stag whisky
- Reported requests
- Operational documents, improved hygiene, and accurate recycled-plastic markings
- Adverse findings
- Sources said FSSAI had issued none against Pernod following the inspection
- Industry context
- India’s alcoholic-beverages industry is valued at about $40 billion and faces intensified regulatory scrutiny
