India’s food safety regulator has warned Diageo’s Indian business that a label claim on Royal Challenge whisky could mislead consumers, according to a government notice reviewed by Reuters and reported on August 8. The notice focused on wording that says the whisky is matured in American oak casks.
Reuters reported that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued the notice on July 20. The regulator said most of the product had not been matured and included a significant share of non-aged grain neutral spirit. It also said age-related claims should reflect the youngest spirit in a blend.
The notice raised a separate concern about the label’s use of the word Scotch, saying the description did not explain the type of Scotch used. The action adds another labeling issue to a wider regulatory examination of spirits sold in India.
FSSAI had already moved against certain products made by Diageo’s Indian unit and Inbrew over the use of artificial or nature-identical flavorings. Reuters reported on August 2 that the action covered Royal Challenge and Antiquity Blue whisky produced in Madhya Pradesh, along with several other products. Diageo has disputed aspects of the regulator’s findings.
The Times of India also reported on the broader FSSAI enforcement action, including scrutiny of Royal Challenge and other liquor brands over flavoring practices and labeling claims. The reports indicate that regulators are focusing on whether product descriptions accurately reflect ingredients, maturation and the nature of the spirit being sold.
United Spirits, Diageo’s listed Indian unit, has said it does not expect the regulatory action to have a financial impact and is monitoring the matter. Reuters also reported that the company has challenged the earlier ruling and maintains that its labels comply with applicable rules.
Royal Challenge is one of Diageo India’s major locally made whisky brands. The latest warning does not by itself settle the dispute over the label claim, but it puts the company’s wording and production description under direct regulatory scrutiny while the broader FSSAI action continues.
