The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced new definitions for single-malt and single-grain whisky under ‘Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 will come into effect from March 1, 2024.
The new definitions are intended to bring clarity to the market and protect consumers from misleading or inaccurate labelling.
Alcoholic Beverages Labelling Update
FSSAI also stated that – Alcoholic beverage shall not contain any nutritional information on the label except energy content in kcal. Such declaration related to energy content shall be voluntary.
Single-malt whisky definition according to FSSAI
“A distillate obtained from fermented mash that uses malted barley without adding any other grain, which is distilled in pot still and produced in a single distillery.”
Single-grain whisky definition according to FSSAI
“A distillate obtained from a fermented mash that employs malted or unmalted grain and is created within a singular distillery.”
According to FSSAI, single-grain whisky is made from a fermented mash with malted or unmalted grain in one distillery.
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) had asked for a more precise definition of single malt whisky. FSSAI’s definition aims to guide single malt production in India, considering the unique climate.
At the moment, there are about 8 to 9 distilleries making single-malt whisky, like Paul John, Amrut, Solan Gold, and Rampur. Brands like Diageo are also preparing to launch their own single malts.
Since there was no clear definition before, the FSSAI is now providing a clear description, effective from March 1, 2024.
Share this NEWS with food tech friends.