Archive · 7 Sep 2026
FSSAI Challenges Old Monk’s Sale as Rum in Bombay HC
FSSAI says some Old Monk products should not be called simply “rum.”
The regulator says they contain neutral spirit and added rum flavouring.
It argues that real standardised rum should get its characteristic taste and smell from natural ingredients, fermentation and maturation.
FSSAI says products with added flavour should be labelled “flavoured rum” or “premix rum.”
It also says the words “7 years old blended” could make buyers think the whole drink was aged for seven years.
The company has offered to change its labels and has submitted new versions to the court.
The company says the ban caused losses of ₹1 crore each day for 120 days.
Many drinkers are surprised because they have long treated Old Monk as rum.
The Bombay High Court will hear the matter again on September 11.
FSSAI told the Bombay High Court that certain Old Monk variants cannot legally be sold as “rum.”
The regulator said the products contain neutral spirit and added artificial or nature-identical rum flavouring.
FSSAI argued that flavoured or premix rum must be labelled accordingly to avoid misleading consumers.
The authority also objected to “7 years old blended” and similar age claims on Old Monk packaging.
Old Monk’s maker submitted revised labels, while the company reported losses of ₹1 crore per day during a 120-day ban.
- Who
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Old Monk’s maker Mohan Rocky Springwater, and the Bombay High Court are central to the dispute.
- What
- FSSAI is challenging the sale of certain Old Monk variants as “rum,” saying they should be identified as flavoured or premix rum, or a rum-flavoured spirit.
- When
- The latest hearing described in the articles took place on Thursday; the next hearing is scheduled for September 11.
- Where
- The dispute is being heard in the Bombay High Court in India.
- Why
- FSSAI says added neutral spirit and artificial or nature-identical flavouring prevent the products from meeting requirements for standardised rum and may mislead consumers.
FSSAI’s Position
Company and Consumer Perspective
Whether the products are legally rum
FSSAI’s Position
FSSAI says standardised rum must retain its characteristic taste and aroma, and products made with neutral spirit and added rum flavouring cannot be sold simply as “rum.”
Company and Consumer Perspective
Old Monk has long been consumed and understood by generations of drinkers as rum, while its maker is seeking approval for revised labels rather than abandoning the products.
Use of added flavouring
FSSAI’s Position
The regulator says laboratory findings and label ingredients show artificial or nature-identical flavouring that masks the natural characteristics expected of rum.
Company and Consumer Perspective
The articles do not report a direct company rebuttal to the laboratory findings; the company’s reported response has focused on changing labels and complying with packaging requirements.
Age claims and consumer information
FSSAI’s Position
FSSAI and the court say claims such as “7 years old blended” or “very old vatted” could mislead consumers, particularly because the age should refer to the youngest spirit in a blend.
Company and Consumer Perspective
The company submitted revised labels after agreeing to remove the disputed wording and says the ban has caused substantial financial losses.
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Products affected
- Select Old Monk variants, as well as specified McDowell’s No. 1, Antiquity Blue, Royal Challenge, Bagpiper Deluxe and Old Cask Deluxe XXX variants
- Regulatory basis
- Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018
- Proposed labelling
- “Flavoured rum,” “premix rum” or “rum-flavoured spirit”
- Label concern
- FSSAI objected to “7 years old blended” and similar claims, saying age should refer to the youngest spirit in a blend
- Reported company loss
- ₹1 crore per day over 120 days of the ban, according to the company’s counsel
- Next hearing
- September 11
