FSSAI Tells Bombay High Court Old Monk Can't Be Sold as Rum
· India · India Today, Hindustan Times
The FSSAI told the Bombay High Court that Old Monk cannot be sold as rum, as India tightens labelling rules on Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Old Monk's sale has been halted in Maharashtra, with the producer Mohan Rocky Springwater Breweries, an affiliate of Mohan Meakin, facing reported losses of Rs 1 crore a day. Other brands have reportedly redesigned their labels to comply. Mixologist Shatbhi Basu said the broader issue of Indian spirits using extra neutral alcohol (ENA) rather than traditional brewing has persisted for decades, which is why Indian IMFL was not recognised by the EU, UK and US. Bar operations head Jagdish Singh Rawat at the Press Club of India said ninety percent of rum sold at the club is Old Monk.
Why it matters
Indian-made whisky and rum brands face relabelling, halted sales, and potential export-recognition issues, directly affecting producers like Mohan Meakin and the price and availability of IMFL brands for Indian consumers. The ruling could reshape India's entire branded spirits market if FSSAI enforces stricter definitions of 'whisky' and 'rum'.
Read the original report — India Today
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