18,000 Liquor Boxes, Including Smirnoff, Seized From Diageo Unit In Bengaluru

Indian food safety authorities have seized around 18,000 boxes of liquor bottles from Smrinoff owner, Diageo distillery unit in Bengaluru over alleged violations of food-safety and labelling requirements. Read on to know more.

18,000 Boxes Of Smrinoff & Others Seized From Diageo

The action reportedly centred on the absence of mandatory markings on recycled plastic, or PET, bottles used for some of the company’s liquor products.

As per a report by News18, Diageo India confirmed the regulatory action, stating that some bottles had been quarantined by authorities pending further directions. The company said the bottles were sourced from an FSSAI-approved recycler and that the required tests had been carried out by suppliers. United Spirits, Diageo’s India unit, maintained that its products were safe for consumption and said it was engaging with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

FSSAI officials inspected the United Spirits facility in Bengaluru last week. According to government documents, inspectors found that certain plastic bottles carried markings identifying them as PET but did not display the government-mandated symbol indicating that recycled PET was suitable for food use.

The action primarily involved smaller 180-ml liquor bottles, while most of Diageo’s larger bottles are made of glass. Government documents reportedly valued the seized products and plastic material at around $1.6 million. More than half a dozen brands were affected, including DSP Black Deluxe Whisky, Smirnoff Zesty Lime Triple Distilled Flavoured Vodka and VAT 69 blended Scotch whisky.

Also Read: Karnataka Plans Statewide Ban On Junk Food In Schools & Hospitals

FSSAI Rules For Product Labelling, Flavouring & More

The latest seizure comes amid heightened scrutiny of Diageo by FSSAI over product labelling, flavouring and compliance issues. Earlier, the regulator had questioned a whisky label claiming that the spirit was “matured in American oak casks”, arguing that a major portion of the product consisted of non-matured spirit.

FSSAI has also taken action against certain Diageo and Inbrew products over alleged concerns involving artificial flavouring. The regulator had separately prohibited sales of Diageo’s Royal Challenge Whisky made in Madhya Pradesh, along with Antiquity Blue Whisky and some products from Inbrew in certain states.

Also Read: No More Off-Roading In Hosahalli Betta & Kaginahare! Karnataka Bans Tourist Vehicles

The developments have added to regulatory pressure on India’s alcohol industry, with authorities increasingly examining claims made on labels and compliance with food-safety rules. Diageo, one of India’s largest spirits companies, has reiterated its commitment to quality and said it continues to engage with FSSAI to address its concerns.

Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Magda Elhers

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