Bhubaneswar, Aug. 5 -- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated enforcement action against several popular rum and whisky variants, sending shockwaves through the alcoholic beverage industry. Well-known brands such as Old Monk, McDowell's, Royal Challenge, Bagpiper and Antiquity Blue have come under scrutiny over alleged violations related to flavouring practices and product labelling.

The regulator clarified that the action does not apply to all products under these brands. Instead, it is limited to specific variants found to be non-compliant with existing food safety regulations.

Why did FSSAI act?

According to the FSSAI, laboratory tests found that some manufacturers were adding external artificial or natur...