New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- The FSSAI banned three Old Monk variants across India, including The Legend, Gold Reserve and XXX Matured Rum, over deceptive labelling practices.

The food regulator said laboratory tests on rum and whisky from several manufacturers have revealed that these products are substandard due to the presence of artificial or nature-identical flavours.

In a press release, the FSSAI said, "There is no internationally recognised manufacturing practice whereby rum flavour ⁠is added to rum or whisky flavour is added to whisky."

"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.

But ...