{
  "id": 5945824,
  "title": "Old Monk ‘cannot be sold as rum’: What FSSAI told Bombay HC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/old-monk-cannot-be-sold-as-rum-what-fssai-told-bombay-hc",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T08:27:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/old-monk-cannot-be-sold-as-rum-what-fssai-told-bombay-hc-101788678162129.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FSSAI has ruled that Old Monk, a liquor brand, cannot market its product as rum, according to a Bombay high court report. FSSAI's counsel informed the court that the fundamental nature of Old Monk's product, which is made using neutral spirit and artificial rum flavouring, precludes it from being categorized as rum. The regulatory body emphasized that selling Old Monk as rum is not permitted, instead suggesting it be classified as a rum-flavoured spirit. FSSAI has requested additional time to review revised labels submitted by Old Monk. The next hearing is set for September 11. This ruling follows FSSAI's crackdown on misleading food and alcohol claims, including the ban on Old Monk's sale in Maharashtra due to the presence of artificial flavouring substances in neutral spirits.",
  "summary": "The FSSAI reportedly informed the Bombay HC that Old Monk cannot be sold as \"rum\" because the product is made using neutral spirit.",
  "key_points": [
    "FSSAI ruled Old Monk cannot be marketed as rum.",
    "Old Monk's product made with neutral spirit and artificial rum flavouring.",
    "FSSAI seeks more time to review revised labels."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}