FSSAI Seizes 18,000 Boxes Of Diageo Liquor Over Recycled Plastic Labelling Violations
Food safety regulators quarantined $1.6 million worth of Diageo’s 180ml plastic bottles at a United Spirits factory in Bengaluru after the company failed to display mandatory government symbols verifying that the recycled PET material is food-grade safe
FSSAI officials seized around 18,000 boxes of liquor from a Diageo unit in Bengaluru over alleged non-compliance with recycled PET packaging requirements
Food safety officials have seized around 18,000 boxes of liquor bottles from a Diageo distillery unit in Bengaluru over alleged non-compliance with mandatory food-safety and labelling requirements relating to recycled plastic packaging.
The action was taken during an inspection of the United Spirits facility, a Diageo India unit, after officials allegedly found that certain PET bottles did not carry the mandatory markings indicating that the recycled plastic used was suitable for food contact.
The seizure reportedly involved liquor sold in smaller plastic bottles, including 180-ml packs. Several brands were covered by the action, including DSP Black Deluxe Whisky, Smirnoff Zesty Lime Triple Distilled Flavoured Vodka and VAT 69 blended Scotch whisky.
According to government documents, products valued at around $1.6 million, along with plastic material, were seized during the inspection.
FSSAI raises concerns over recycled PET markings
Government officials reportedly found that the plastic bottles carried markings identifying them as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but lacked the prescribed recycled PET symbol required for food-use packaging.
A government memo reportedly recorded concerns relating to food safety, misleading declarations and misbranding, particularly with respect to the safety of the finished alcoholic beverages.
The action was stated to have been taken in the interest of public health.
The inspection also found that the bottles were being described as made from recycled plastic. However, officials allegedly found that the mandatory markings required under the applicable food-safety framework were absent.
United Spirits disputes safety concerns
United Spirits, the Diageo India entity, confirmed that certain bottles had been quarantined by authorities pending further directions.
The company said the bottles had been sourced from a recycler approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and that the mandatory tests had been conducted by the suppliers.
“Our products are completely safe for consumption … We are engaging with FSSAI for further direction on this matter,” the company said.
The regulatory action comes amid increased scrutiny by FSSAI of liquor manufacturers over labelling, flavouring and other compliance-related issues.
Diageo faces wider regulatory scrutiny
The Bengaluru seizure follows separate regulatory concerns raised by FSSAI over claims made on some Diageo whisky labels.
In a notice reportedly issued in July, the regulator questioned a claim that one of Diageo's whiskies was “matured in American oak casks”, alleging that the product contained grain neutral spirit as its second ingredient and that a major portion of the spirit was not matured.
The regulator reportedly stated that describing the complete alcohol as matured in wood casks could mislead consumers and indicated that age-related claims for blended spirits should refer to the youngest spirit in the blend.
United Spirits has said it remains committed to quality standards and is engaging with FSSAI over the regulator's queries.
FSSAI has also taken action concerning certain Diageo and other liquor brands over allegations relating to artificial flavouring and labelling.
The products reportedly affected by separate regulatory action included Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, as well as certain products manufactured by Inbrew.
The regulator had also questioned the use of the term “Scotch” on certain labels, reportedly seeking greater clarity regarding the nature and characteristics of the Scotch used.
Regulatory action adds to compliance concerns
The latest seizure adds another compliance issue to Diageo India's ongoing engagement with FSSAI.
The regulator has in recent months intensified scrutiny of food and beverage companies over alleged violations concerning labelling, product claims, ingredients and packaging.
Diageo has maintained that its products are safe for consumption and said it would continue engaging with the regulator to address the concerns raised during the inspection.
The seizure and quarantine of the bottles do not, by themselves, establish a final finding of violation. Further action will depend on the regulatory proceedings and directions issued by the competent authorities.
[Source: Indian Express]