Old Monk Banned News: Why Did FSSAI Ban Some Variants Of Popular Whiskey And Rum Brands? Explained

Old Monk Banned News: Three Old Monk variants, namely The Legend, Gold Reserve and XXX Matured Rum have been banned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The products are manufactured by Mohan Rocky Springwater's Khopoli unit.

As per FSSAI, artificial flavours are being added in the products instead of following proper ageing process. The regulator added that this practice goes against the food safety regulations, misleading the consumers.

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Which All Brands Are Affected By The Ban?

The list includes - McDowell's No 1 Rum, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky, Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum, Central Province Whisky, McDowell's Celebration Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky are added to the list.

FSSAI Flags Old Monk’s ‘7 Years' Blended’ Claim

FSSAI has noted that Old Monk’s XXX Rum has unmatured, neutral spirit as the main ingredients. Matured rum spirit should contain these ingredients in less than 5 per cent. However, the brand claims to be "7 years' blended", violating the regulations.

FSSAI Issues Statement

Clarifying the reason behind the move, FSSAI issued a press release on August 2. "There is no internationally recognised manufacturing practice whereby rum flavour ⁠is added to rum or whisky flavour is added to whisky," the statement noted.

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"Few manufacturers are found to add flavour externally, which mimics the product's inherent aroma and taste, and sell the same as a standard product, thereby misleading consumers," it added.

FSSAI further stated that tests of rum and whisky carried out in labs showed that these products had external artificial or nature-identical flavours and so were substandard. The lab report stated, "The addition of artificial flavours is masking its natural flavour and making the product substandard." It further said that the products should be called "flavoured/premix rum".