India Flags Diageo Whisky Label Claim as Misleading
India’s food safety regulator has warned Diageo that the label on its Royal Challenge whisky misleadingly claims the product is “matured in American oak casks,” saying a major portion of the spirit is not matured in wooden casks. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued the confidential notice on July 20, adding to regulatory scrutiny of India’s $40 billion alcohol industry.
The FSSAI said the whisky contains grain neutral spirit as its second ingredient after demineralised water, meaning the complete alcohol content is not matured in wood as the label suggests. The regulator also said any age-related claim should refer to the youngest spirit used in a blend, rather than the oldest. Diageo India, operated locally through United Spirits, said it remains committed to quality standards and is engaging with FSSAI on its labelling concerns.
The scrutiny comes alongside a broader crackdown on liquor companies over labelling and flavouring practices. FSSAI has prohibited sales of certain Diageo and Inbrew spirits made in Madhya Pradesh over the use of artificial flavouring. The latest notice also questioned the whisky’s use of the term “Scotch,” saying the label should clearly identify the characteristics of the Scotch used.
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