FSSAI Takes Action Against Alcohol Brands Over Artificial Flavouring and Labelling Violations
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has taken enforcement action against several alcoholic beverage manufacturers, including United Spirits Ltd (Diageo India), Inbrew Beverages, and Mohan Rocky Springwater, for adding artificial or nature-identical flavours that mimic the natural taste of rum and whisky. The regulator found these practices violate food safety regulations, misleading consumers by labeling such products as standard spirits instead of 'flavoured spirits.' Sales bans and notices have been issued for brands like Antiquity Blue, Royal Challenge, Bagpiper, and Old Monk, with inspections ongoing in multiple states.
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 (49/100). Lens Score 57/100.
Outlets measured: hindustantimes, theassamtribune, thetelegraph, indiatoday, economictimes, businessstandard, thehindu, timesnow, 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 (45–62/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 2 Aug, 05:16 pm. Other outlets followed.