The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to alcohol manufacturers for allegedly using unauthorized added flavors and making misleading age-related claims on product labels.

The regulator found violations of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, where products like whisky, rum, and vodka must derive their flavor solely from raw materials and manufacturing processes.FSSAI objected to products using terms like 'aged' without disclosing the youngest spirit in the blend, which could mislead consumers.

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies stated all members follow FSSAI norms, while the regulator scheduled a stakeholder meeting on July 14 to discuss the issue.

This action aligns with FSSAI's focus on truthful labeling across food categories, intensifying scrutiny of misleading claims and regulatory compliance.

The notices also demand explanations for enforcement actions against the alleged violations, though the number of affected manufacturers remains undisclosed.