NEW DELHI / BENGALURU — In a major regulatory action, Indian food safety inspectors have seized approximately 18,000 boxes of liquor bottles belonging to global spirits leader Diageo (operated in India through United Spirits). The seizure, valued at roughly $1.6 million (₹13+ crore), follows allegations that smaller plastic bottles failed to carry government-mandated packaging symbols for food-grade recycled plastic.
According to government memos, officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) inspected United Spirits’ manufacturing facility in Bengaluru last week. While the unit utilized recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles—predominantly for smaller 180 ml product sizes—the containers displayed standard PET codes rather than the mandatory recycled PET mark certifying them as food-grade safe.
Key Highlights of the Crackdown:
Brands Affected: Popular labels including VAT 69 Blended Scotch Whisky, Smirnoff Zesty Lime Flavoured Vodka, and DSP Black Deluxe Whisky.
Scope: Around 18,000 boxes of liquor and associated plastic raw materials were confiscated as a public health precaution.
Regulatory Stance: FSSAI noted that missing mandatory markings raise serious misbranding and compliance concerns regarding consumer safety.
Diageo’s Response: Diageo India confirmed that certain stock has been quarantined. The company stated that all products are completely safe for consumption, sourced from FSSAI-approved recyclers, and that it is actively coordinating with regulators to resolve the matter.
This enforcement action is part of a broader crackdown by the FSSAI on India’s $40 billion alcoholic beverage sector, targeting improper labeling, artificial flavorings, and misleading marketing claims.
