The Bombay High Court will examine challenges by liquor manufacturers against FSSAI measures concerning the labelling and flavouring of certain Indian-Made Foreign Liquor products.
Liquor Companies Challenge FSSAI Restrictions
The Bombay High Court is set to hear petitions filed by major liquor manufacturers challenging recent action by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) concerning the manufacture and labelling of certain liquor products.
The dispute primarily concerns products marketed as rum and whisky that contain added flavouring substances.
FSSAI Raises Concerns Over Labelling
FSSAI has objected to certain Indian-Made Foreign Liquor products containing artificial or nature-identical flavours intended to replicate characteristics associated with conventional rum or whisky.
The regulator’s position is that marketing such products simply as “rum” or “whisky” could potentially mislead consumers about the actual composition of the beverage.
The regulatory action has affected the sale and marketing of some products manufactured by liquor companies.
United Spirits, Mohan Meakin Among Petitioners
United Spirits and Mohan Meakin are among the companies that have approached the Bombay High Court against the regulatory measures.
United Spirits manufactures products including McDowell’s No. 1, while Mohan Meakin is known for Old Monk.
The companies are challenging the restrictions arising from FSSAI’s objections concerning the composition and labelling of their products.
Flavouring at Centre of Dispute
The case raises questions over whether alcoholic beverages containing added flavouring can be marketed under established descriptions such as rum or whisky.
The proceedings may require the Court to consider the applicable food safety standards and whether the existing regulatory framework permits such products to carry conventional liquor descriptions.
The dispute also brings consumer disclosure into focus, particularly where the composition of a product differs from what consumers may ordinarily associate with a particular liquor category.
Bombay High Court to Examine Regulatory Powers
The petitions will require the High Court to consider the legality of FSSAI’s action and the extent of its regulatory authority over the disputed products.
The Court may also examine whether the measures adopted by the regulator are consistent with the applicable statutory framework governing food safety, product composition and labelling.
Potential Impact on Liquor Industry
The outcome could have implications beyond the companies presently before the Court.
A ruling on the issue may provide greater clarity for manufacturers that use flavouring substances in alcoholic beverages and market them under established categories such as rum and whisky.
It could also influence how similar products are labelled and presented to consumers in the future.
Hearing Scheduled
The Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear the petitions on August 10, 2026.
The proceedings will determine the next course of action in the dispute between the liquor manufacturers and the food safety regulator.
Key Takeaways
- Liquor manufacturers have challenged FSSAI’s action concerning certain IMFL products.
- The dispute centres on product labelling and added flavouring.
- FSSAI has raised concerns about possible consumer confusion.
- United Spirits and Mohan Meakin are among the petitioners.
- The Bombay High Court will examine the regulatory dispute.
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Court: Bombay High Court
Matter: Challenge to FSSAI action concerning IMFL products
Hearing: August 10, 2026
FSSAI, Bombay High Court, IMFL, Liquor Labelling
