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The FSSAI has issued notices to several liquor companies for misleading claims and violating regulations. It alleges that the companies are misleading customers by claiming they are 12-year-old liquor and adding artificial flavors.

FSSAI notice to liquor companies

If you buy liquor because it says "12 years old," "premium aged," or a specific flavor, this news is for you. Food safety regulator FSSAI has issued notices to several liquor companies, asking why action shouldn't be taken against them. It's alleged that some companies are adding flavors to liquor in violation of regulations and making claims about its age that are inconsistent with the rules.

What is the matter?

According to FSSAI, three types of irregularities have come to light in the investigation.

• The first issue concerns the addition of extraneous flavors to alcohol. Regulations require products like rum, brandy, gin, whiskey, wine, and beer to retain only their natural flavor and aroma, but some companies are accused of trying to create a taste that mimics the original by adding additional flavors.
• The second issue relates to claims about the age of alcohol. The FSSAI says some companies are using terms that suggest their alcohol is older or more mature, without following the established regulations.
• The third flaw was found in the age of the blended spirit. The law states that if a bottle is labeled 12 years old, the youngest spirit used must also be at least 12 years old. Failure to do so would be considered a misleading claim to consumers.

Responses sought from companies.

FSSAI has requested answers from the companies concerned as to why action should not be initiated against them. If their answers are not satisfactory, further legal action may be taken against them.

There will be a meeting next week.

According to the liquor industry body CIABC, FSSAI has called a meeting with the industry and other stakeholders next week to discuss these regulations and their implementation.

He has already shown a tough stance.

Recently, the FSSAI mandated more prominent health warnings on liquor bottles. Furthermore, notices were recently sent to several major beverage companies, accusing them of marketing their products as "energy drinks," despite the FSSAI's lack of specific standards for this category. Currently, the FSSAI has not released the names of the liquor companies receiving notices. Therefore, it is unclear which brands may face action.