Old Monk Faces FSSAI Action As Three Rum Variants Are Barred From Sale.
The FSSAI has banned three Old Monk variants across India. This includes The Legend, Gold Reserve and XXX Matured Rum. Manufacturer Mohan Rocky Springwater’s Khopoli unit produces these specific products. The regulator mentioned that artificial flavours as a replacement for proper ageing methods. Other affected brands also include McDowell’s No 1 Rum. United Spirits manufactures this at its Baramati facility. Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum are also banned. INBREW Beverages produces these in Madhya Pradesh.
Central Province Whisky and McDowell’s Celebration Rum are banned. Associated Alcohol & Breweries manufactures these products in Madhya Pradesh. Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky are also in the list. United Spirits produces both from its Madhya Pradesh facility. Inspections also occurred at Goa’s Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries. Notices have been sent separately to six more Maharashtra-based manufacturers. Further regulatory action is expected to follow shortly.
Regarding Old Monk, the FSSAI flagged fake labelling practices. The brand claims its XXX Rum is “7 years’ blended”. However, neutral, unmatured spirit forms the product’s major ingredient. Matured rum spirit constitutes less than 5%. This violates the on standing regulations under FSS Alcoholic Beverages guidelines and age claims must reflect the youngest spirit within any blend.
