MP High Court stays FSSAI's ban on whisky, Khargone firm rum; 11 TASMAC brands cleared

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has temporarily blocked an FSSAI order that restricted the sale of pre-packaged whisky and rum from a Khargone-based private company. On August 6, a division bench of the court stayed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's prohibition order, which had been issued on July 29. The court emphasized that the company's products adhered to the Excise Act and associated rules.

The FSSAI's decision was based on a preliminary lab report claiming that the products contained added, artificial flavorings that did not meet the standards. However, the company argued that it complied with Madhya Pradesh's excise regulations. The court also directed the Centre to provide its response within four weeks. Three days later, on August 14, the Tamil Nadu Prohibition and Excise Department lifted a temporary ban on the sale of 11 liquor brands sold through state-run TASMAC outlets.

The restriction was imposed after an FSSAI inspection of Enrica Enterprises Private Limited's facility identified several labelling and product-compliance issues. The ban was formally lifted after the manufacturer assured authorities of complete compliance with the necessary requirements.