Diageo to reformulate whisky and rum brands after FSSAI objection

Diageo will change the formulation of some of its top whisky and rum brands sold in India within three months after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) flagged the use of added flavouring substances. The company said it had engaged with the FSSAI over updated guidelines and taken measures to bring its products in line with the revised requirements.

The economic times reports that the development follows a regulatory crackdown earlier this month, in which several whisky and rum brands made by Diageo and other companies were barred in some states over alleged labelling violations and the use of flavours. Among the affected products are Antiquity Blue and Royal Challenge whisky manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, and McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum produced in Maharashtra. Royal Challenge is among Diageo’s largest-selling domestically produced whisky brands.

NDTV Profit also reports that the overhaul affects McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum in Maharashtra and Antiquity Blue and Royal Challenge whisky in Madhya Pradesh. The company is set to align its products with the revised FSSAI requirements within three months.