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NEW DELHI: Is your whisky really “aged”? Does its distinctive flavour come naturally or from additives? The country’s food safety regulator has put alcoholic beverage manufacturers under the scanner, issuing notices over alleged use of unauthorised added flavours and misleading age-related claims on product labels.Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to manufacturers after finding alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. The companies have been asked to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.Among the violations flagged is the alleged use of added flavours in alcoholic beverages where such additives are prohibited. Under the regulations, products such as brandy, gin, rum, vodka and whisky must derive their characteristic flavour solely from the raw materials used and the manufacturing process.FSSAI also objected to products carrying the word “aged” or other age-related claims without the mandatory disclosure that the declared age refers to the youngest spirit used in the blend, as required under the regulations. The regulator said the omission could mislead consumers about the product’s actual age.In a statement, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies said FSSAI has called for consultations across stakeholders, including industry associations, next week for discussions. “All our members strictly follow all laid norms and guidelines mandated by FSSAI,” it said.The notices also ask manufacturers to explain why enforcement action should not be initiated for the alleged violations. The department has not disclosed how many manufacturers have been served notices. Officials said a meeting of stakeholders has been scheduled for July 14 to discuss the issue.The action comes as the regulator sharpens its focus on truthful labelling and product claims across food categories, with increasing scrutiny of misleading declarations and regulatory compliance.
