The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has taken action against leading alcoholic beverage makers for adding non-permitted flavours to rum and whiskey, in violation of regulations.Lab tests found that artificial flavours were masking natural flavour and making products substandard. FSSAI barred the sale of McDowell's No 1 Rum, Antiquity Blue Whiskey and Royal Challenge Whisky made by Diageo's United Spirits at Baramati and Madhya Pradesh units.Prohibition orders were also issued for three Old Monk Rum variants from Mohan Meakin's Khopoli unit, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask deluxe XXX Rum from INBREW Beverages, and brands from Associated Alcohol and Breweries. Notices went to six other manufacturers in Maharashtra.FSSAI said manufacturers cannot add flavours that mimic a spirit's natural profile. Such products should be labelled "Rum-flavoured Spirit" or "Whisky-flavoured Spirit."

It also flagged a "7 years old blended" claim on an Old Monk variant that contained less than 5 percent matured rum. United Spirits and Associated Alcohol have moved courts against the orders.