FSSAI Bans Sale of Several Rum and Whisky Brands Over Artificial Flavouring
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has banned the sale of several popular rum and whisky brands, including Old Monk, Antiquity Blue, Royal Challenge, and McDowell's No. 1, for using artificial flavouring substances instead of natural ageing and ingredients. The regulator found that some manufacturers added flavours mimicking the beverage itself, which is not internationally recognized practice and misleads consumers. The ban covers products from companies like Diageo's United Spirits, Inbrew Beverages, and Mohan Rocky Springwater, with further inspections and notices issued to other manufacturers.
First-hand measurement across 15 sources
We measured how 15 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (47/100). Lens Score 57/100.
Outlets measured: timesnow, mint, hindustantimes, mint, scrollin, indiatoday, mint, economictimes, and 7 more. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (35–50/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
hindustantimes broke this story on 3 Aug, 08:52 am. Other outlets followed.