FSSAI seizes 18,000 United Spirits liquor boxes over bottle markings

MUMBAI: This time, the bottle is the story. India’s food safety regulator has seized around 18,000 boxes of liquor bottles belonging to Diageo India’s United Spirits, after officials flagged allegedly missing markings on plastic packaging indicating the use of food-grade recycled plastic.

The action followed an inspection at United Spirits’ facility in Bengaluru, where officials were reportedly informed that recycled plastic bottles were being used for certain products. Government documents reviewed by Reuters said inspectors found that the bottles carried standard PET (polyethylene terephthalate) markings but did not display the mandated recycled PET symbol for food-contact packaging.

According to the documents, the missing markings raised concerns around food safety, consumer information and regulatory compliance. Authorities said the seizure was carried out in the interest of public health.

United Spirits confirmed that some bottles had been “quarantined by authorities until further direction”. The company said the packaging material had been sourced from an FSSAI-approved recycler and that suppliers had conducted all mandatory tests.

“Our products are completely safe for consumption. We are engaging with FSSAI for further direction on this matter,” the company said.

The regulatory action affects more than six brands, with inspection documents identifying products including DSP Black Deluxe Whisky, VAT 69 Blended Scotch Whisky and Smirnoff Zesty Lime Triple Distilled Flavoured Vodka.

Most of the affected inventory was packed in 180 ml plastic bottles, a format widely used across several Indian states. Larger glass-bottle variants were not the focus of the action.

Government records cited by Reuters put the value of the seized inventory and packaging materials at around US$1.6 million.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of India’s alcoholic beverage sector, with FSSAI stepping up checks on product formulation, packaging and labelling.

Earlier this month, the regulator prohibited the sale of several liquor products manufactured by Diageo’s Indian unit and other companies over alleged issues involving flavouring practices and labelling compliance.

FSSAI has also questioned labelling claims on certain Diageo whisky products, including references to maturation in American oak casks. Diageo has said it is engaging with authorities and remains committed to quality and compliance standards.

For United Spirits, the latest action puts the spotlight not on what is inside the bottle, but on what is or is not printed on it.