Flavouring Neutral Alcohol Isn't Right in Spirit The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive prohibiting the addition of "rum flavour" to rum or "whisky flavour" to whisky in standard products, citing concerns over consumer misrepresentation. The regulator emphasized that the practice of artificially replicating the taste and aroma of distilled spirits like rum and whisky through neutral alcohol and synthetic flavouring substances undermines the natural characteristics of these beverages. According to FSSAI, such methods mask the true nature of the products, which should develop their distinct profiles through traditional processes like fermentation, distillation, and maturation. The decision followed inspections revealing that some manufacturers were producing beverages primarily from neutral alcohol—lacking inherent flavour—and then adding identical flavouring agents to mimic the profiles of rum or whisky. FSSAI clarified that these products should be labelled as "rum-flavoured spirit" or "whisky-flavoured spirit," with clear front-of-pack disclosures to inform consumers of their artificial composition. Laboratory tests on samples from multiple manufacturers confirmed the presence of artificial or nature-identical flavours, which the regulator argued rendered the products sub-standard under existing regulations. The directive specifically targeted several companies, including Mohan Rocky Springwater, United Spirits, INBREW Beverages, and Associated Alcohol & Breweries, which were found to be violating the guidelines. FSSAI also issued notices to six producers in Maharashtra and inspected Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries in Goa.#united_spirits #food_safety_and_standards_authority_of_india #mohan_rocky_springwater #inbrew_beverages #associated_alcohol_and_breweries
