United Spirits withdrew its Bombay High Court challenge on Monday against restrictions imposed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on certain rum variants. The regulator had earlier this month revoked its ban on the use of added 'rum flavour' in products marketed as rum, which was the core issue in the dispute, according to livemint.com.
The legal challenge by United Spirits targeted FSSAI's restrictions on some of its rum products, including McDowell's No. 1 Rum. The regulator had objected to the use of added rum flavouring in these products, which led to the ban. Following FSSAI's decision to revoke the order, United Spirits chose to withdraw its plea, ending the court proceedings related to this matter.
The dispute highlights regulatory scrutiny over product labelling and ingredient disclosures in India's alcoholic beverage sector. United Spirits' portfolio affected by the ban included popular brands such as McDowell's No. 1 Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, and Royal Challenge Whisky. Meanwhile, Mohan Rocky, maker of Old Monk rum, continues to contest a similar ban imposed by FSSAI, indicating ongoing tensions between producers and regulators over flavour additives.
United Spirits' withdrawal of the court plea comes shortly after FSSAI's revocation of the ban earlier this month, resolving the immediate legal conflict. The next significant development in this regulatory area will be closely watched as Mohan Rocky pursues its challenge against the FSSAI ban on Old Monk rum.