Diageo is set to reformulate some of its whisky and rum brands in India, following a long-standing disagreement with the Indian authorities. 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) first raised concerns about the company’s use of improper flavouring substances earlier this year. 

This month, following a ban on several whisky and rum brands in major Indian states, Diageo argued in court that the food safety officer was not empowered by law to impose a stop-sale order. 

Nonetheless, Diageo is now set to remove the whisky flavouring from whisky and the rum flavouring from rum, as part of an understanding reached with the regulator. 

Not just applicable to states where restrictions were imposed, Diageo is expected to apply the changes to all brands manufactured across India. 

This includes Royal Challenge and Antiquity Blue whisky, alongside McDowell’s No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum. 

Though no formal comment from Diageo has been made, it’s expected that the changes to the formula will be implemented within three months. Until then, Diageo must introduce clearer front-of-pack disclosures explaining the flavouring used in the liquids. 

Packaging complaints 

In a separate complaint from Indian inspectors, around 18,000 boxes of Diageo liquor bottles were seized last week. 

The FSSAI said that this was due to the liquor bottles allegedly lacking markings to show they were made using safe recycled plastic. 

After seizing the bottles, it was confirmed that they were quarantined by authorities. 

In response, Diageo said that its products are completely safe for consumption. The FSSAI agreed, following a visit to the factory in Bengaluru. Still, it said that the required markings were missing.