India, Sept. 6 -- Liquor brand Old Monk cannot sell or market its product as "rum", the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reportedly told the Bombay high court.

The regulatory body, on Thursday, informed the court that Old Monk cannot be sold as "rum" because the product is made using neutral spirit and artificial rum flavouring, according to a report by LiveMint.

FSSAI's counsel clarified to the court that the primary issue is the fundamental nature of the product rather than just its labelling, stating that selling it as "rum" is not permitted, according to the report.

The regulator's counsel noted the drink could instead be categorised as a "rum-flavoured spirit".

Old Monk has submitted revised labels, and FS...