Spirits Producers Contest FSSAI Labeling Standards in High Court Appeals
United Spirits and Associated Alcohol & Breweries have initiated legal action against the FSSAI regarding recent directives on artificial flavoring. The food regulator alleges that manufacturers are using additives to mimic the natural profiles of rum and whisky.
Key takeaways
- United Spirits and Associated Alcohol & Breweries have filed writ petitions in the Bombay and Madhya Pradesh High Courts against FSSAI directives.
- The FSSAI alleges manufacturers are using additives to mimic the natural profiles of spirits like rum and whisky, violating 2018 regulations.
- Major brands under scrutiny include McDowell's No 1, Antiquity Blue, and Royal Challenge following notices issued to specific production units.
- Industry associations CIABC and ISWAI are currently negotiating with the regulator regarding these new flavoring and labeling interpretations.
Why It Matters
The outcome of these legal challenges will determine how the Indian alcoholic beverage industry manages product formulation and labeling transparency. By contesting the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in the High Courts, major players like United Spirits Ltd (USL) seek to protect established manufacturing traditions against new regulatory interpretations regarding added flavors.
Background
The dispute centers on a June 29, 2026, directive from the FSSAI. The regulator claims that certain manufacturers violate the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations of 2018. Specifically, the FSSAI argues that adding rum flavor to rum or whisky flavor to whisky constitutes an unauthorized practice intended to simulate natural profiles. Industry bodies, including the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) and the International Spirits & Wines Association of India (ISWAI), have also engaged with the regulator on these points.
Key Facts
- United Spirits Ltd: A subsidiary of Diageo PLC, USL filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court on August 1, 2026, defending labels used at its Baramati facility.
- Associated Alcohol & Breweries Ltd: This firm challenged the regulator in the Madhya Pradesh High Court on July 31, 2026.
- Targeted Brands: The FSSAI cited brands including McDowell's No 1 Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, Royal Challenge Whisky, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky, and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum.
- Regulatory Stance: The FSSAI maintains that while flavoring substances are not prohibited, they cannot be used to mimic the inherent characteristics of the standardized beverage itself.
- Corporate Defense: USL asserts that its product declarations align with current Indian legal frameworks and long-term industry standards.
What Happens Next
Legal proceedings are moving quickly through the judicial system. The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court scheduled a hearing for early August to address the petition from Associated Alcohol & Breweries. Concurrently, the Bombay High Court will evaluate USL's argument that its labeling practices at the Baramati unit remain within the bounds of existing law despite the FSSAI's allegations of non-conformance.
Source: ET BrandEquity
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