Diageo to reformulate whisky and rum drinks in India following ban due to flavourings – Reuters

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According to a Reuters report, Diageo’s India unit, United Spirits, has agreed to reformulate several of its popular whisky and rum drinks in the country after regulators banned them in some states due to an alleged breach of flavouring rules.

According to government sources cited by Reuters, who the media outlet said declined to be named, The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will agree to drop its ban on the understanding that Diageo will stop adding artificial whisky flavourings in whisky or rum flavourings in rum.

The FSSAI alleges that the use of these alcohol flavours does not comply with regulations, allowing spirits producers to bypass proper ageing processes or the use of natural ingredients such as molasses, malt or grapes.

The ban covered Diageo’s Antiquity Blue and Royal Challenge whisky made in Madhya Pradesh, and its McDowell's No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum made in Maharashtra.

Reuters’ sources told reporters that the reformulation will be required to these brands made anywhere in India, not only the states where they were previously banned earlier this month.

While Diageo moves toward reformulation, it has reportedly agreed to adjust front-of-pack labelling during the transition, clearly highlighting which flavourings have been added.

FoodBev has approached Diageo for comment.