United Spirits withdraws HC plea after FSSAI revokes ban on its rum

United Spirits has dropped its court challenge against the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) following the regulator's recent reversal of a ban on some of its rum variants. The ban, imposed on June 29, was related to the inclusion of 'rum flavour' in products marketed as rum, a practice that FSSAI had objected to.

Mohan Rocky Springwater Breweries, makers of Old Monk rum, are still contesting a similar ban before the Bombay High Court. United Spirits argued that adding 'rum flavour' to rum is an industry standard practice and questioned the regulator's authority to halt sales without evidence of harm to consumers. On August 18, United Spirits notified stock exchanges of FSSAI's cancellation of its June 29 restriction on its Baramati plant products.

Diageo, the parent company of United Spirits, declined to comment on the matter, and Mint's inquiries to FSSAI went unanswered until publication. Diageo, United Spirits, and other liquor companies reportedly agreed to adhere to FSSAI directives to either remove the disputed flavouring agents or relabel their products. The label change, which will occur without altering the alcoholic beverage's composition, is expected to take place in the near future.