FSSAI Amends Alcoholic Beverage Norms

August 25, 2023

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced the ‘Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment Regulations, 2023,’ effective from March 1, 2024. According to this amendment, alcoholic beverages will only be permitted to display voluntary energy content declarations in kcal on their labels, with all other nutritional information prohibited.

The regulation also defines single malt whiskey and single grain whiskey. Single malt whiskey is defined as a distillate from fermented mash using malted barley, distilled in a pot still within a single distillery. Single grain whiskey, on the other hand, is obtained from fermented mash using malted or unmalted grain, produced in a single distillery. The regulation aims to provide clarity on labeling requirements for different types of whiskies.

What is the main focus of the new FSSAI regulation regarding alcoholic beverages?

The new regulation by FSSAI emphasizes that alcoholic beverages can only display energy content information in kcal on labels. All other forms of nutritional information are prohibited.

When will the ‘Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment Regulations, 2023’ come into effect?

The regulations are set to become effective on March 1, 2024, giving stakeholders and manufacturers time to align with the new labeling requirements.

How does the FSSAI define single malt whiskey and single grain whiskey under the new regulations?

Single malt whiskey is defined as a distillate obtained from fermented mash using only malted barley, distilled in a pot still within a single distillery. Single grain whiskey is derived from fermented mash using malted or unmalted grain, produced in a single distillery.

How does this amendment differ from the 2018 regulations concerning nutritional information?

The 2018 regulations stipulated that alcoholic beverages should not display any nutritional information on labels. The new amendment allows for voluntary energy content declarations in kcal, while excluding other nutritional details.

What purpose does defining single malt and single grain whiskies serve in this regulation?

Defining these categories helps clarify the specific characteristics of each type of whiskey. This distinction ensures accurate labeling and understanding for both producers and consumers.

How does whisky production relate to the regulation?

Whisky, an alcoholic beverage, is produced through the distillation of fermented extracts from malted cereal grains or neutral spirits. This diverse production process is addressed in the context of the regulation.

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