Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Old Monk Maker Agrees to Modify Labels After FSSAI Crackdown
Old Monk is a popular rum brand whose bottle labels said it was “7 years old blended.”
India’s food regulator said this wording could mislead buyers.
The regulator said most of the drink used neutral spirit that had not been aged.
It said matured rum was less than 5 percent of the blend.
The regulator also objected to the use of rum flavoring and prohibited sales of three Old Monk varieties.
The company took the matter to the Bombay High Court.
It said it was willing to change the labels and gave the court new versions to consider.
The court will hear the case again on September 8.
Mohan Rocky Springwater agreed to modify Old Monk labels after the “7 years old blended” claim faced scrutiny.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said the age claim was misleading under alcohol-labeling rules.
FSSAI said neutral, unmatured spirit was the major ingredient, while matured rum made up less than 5 percent.
FSSAI prohibited sales of three Old Monk variants and other brands following a Maharashtra crackdown.
The maker tendered modified labels and challenged the prohibition; Bombay High Court will hear the matter again on September 8.
- Who
- Mohan Rocky Springwater Pvt Ltd, maker of Old Monk, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India were the main parties; the Bombay High Court is hearing the dispute.
- What
- The maker agreed to consider modifying Old Monk labels after FSSAI challenged the “7 years old blended” claim and prohibited sales of three variants.
- When
- FSSAI issued its statement on August 2; the next court hearing is scheduled for September 8.
- Where
- The regulatory action concerned brands in Maharashtra, and the legal challenge is before the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- FSSAI said the age claim was misleading because neutral spirit was the major ingredient and matured rum was less than 5 percent, and it also objected to external artificial or nature-identical flavors.
FSSAI’s position
Old Monk maker’s position
Label claim
FSSAI’s position
FSSAI said “7 years old blended” was misleading because the major ingredient was neutral, unmatured spirit and the age claim should be based on the youngest spirit in the blend.
Old Monk maker’s position
The maker tendered modified labels and said it was willing to modify them if FSSAI accepted the proposed changes.
Sales prohibition
FSSAI’s position
FSSAI prohibited sales of three Old Monk variants after objecting to their composition, including the use of neutral spirit and rum flavoring.
Old Monk maker’s position
Mohan Rocky Springwater sought to quash the FSSAI order in the Bombay High Court and is challenging the prohibition.
Proposed resolution
FSSAI’s position
FSSAI had not accepted the tendered labels at the time described in the court order.
Old Monk maker’s position
The maker said the labels were submitted to explore a resolution, but it would withdraw them if FSSAI opposed them.
- Company
- Mohan Rocky Springwater Pvt Ltd
- Brand
- Old Monk
- Disputed label
- “7 years old blended”
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Affected variants
- The Legend, Gold Reserve, and XXX Matured Rum
- Matured rum share
- Less than 5 percent, according to FSSAI investigation findings
- Next hearing
- September 8