The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has lifted its ban on the sale of a product manufactured at United Spirits’ Baramati site and on whisky products made at a third-party plant in Madhya Pradesh.
The sales ban on McDowell’s No.1 Rum has been lifted by FSSAI
In an order dated 29 June, the FSSAI found the company’s plant in Baramati, Maharashtra, non-compliant with regulations regarding McDowell’s No.1 Rum.
On 17 August, FSSAI issued a statement revoking its ban on the sale of the flagged product after engaging with the company.
Furthermore, on 20 August, the regulator revoked its ban on ‘whisky products’ produced at a third-party manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh. The plant was under investigation over issues related to Diageo’s Antiquity Blue and Royal Challenge whiskies. The whisky products were challenged on the ground that the product labels do not conform to FSSAI provisions.
The revocations are linked to the writ petition filed by Diageo’s Indian arm, United Spirits, on 1 August, pending before the Bombay High Court. The hearing is reportedly scheduled for 24 August.
Diageo has denied any misconduct.
According to Reuters, Diageo has also agreed to reformulate some of its popular whisky and rum products in India.
A Diageo spokesperson commented: “Our products have consistently met all applicable safety and quality standards. We have engaged with FSSAI on its position on the existing guidelines and have since taken appropriate measures to fully align our products with the revised requirements.
“Diageo India remains committed to the highest standards of compliance and consumer safety.”
In addition to its battle with sales bans from the FSSAI, Diageo has also faced allegations over packaging safety concerns.
Earlier this month, FSSAI confiscated approximately 18,000 cases of whisky and vodka, reportedly worth US$1.6 million. The regulator alleged that the packaging did not include markings indicating it was made from safe recycled plastic.
This action specifically targeted 180ml ‘quarter’ bottles of Diageo’s Smirnoff Zesty Lime Triple Distilled Flavoured Vodka, DSP Black Deluxe Whisky, and Vat 69 Blended Scotch Whisky.
Regarding the issue, Diageo has assured that its ‘products are completely safe for consumption’, and it continues to ‘engage with FSSAI for further direction’.
McDowell’s is India’s biggest-selling rum brand, with case sales of 5.7m last year, according to The Brand Champions 2026 report.
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