Old Monk FSSAI Controversy: Write 'Rum-like' Not 'Rum', Company Faces Rs 500 Crore Loss

The dispute between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Mohan Rocky Springwater Private Limited, the maker of the iconic 'Old Monk' rum, has escalated significantly. During hearings at the Bombay High Court, FSSAI took a firm stance, stating that sales permission for Old Monk would only be granted if the company modifies its label to designate the product as 'Rum-like' instead of 'Rum'.

Legal Battle at the Bombay High Court

Representing the manufacturing company, senior counsel informed the bench that the ban on sales originating from the Thane district unit has resulted in a corporate loss exceeding Rs 500 crore. Furthermore, the sales halt has cost the Maharashtra excise department approximately Rs 350 crore in revenue. The counsel argued that while sales are restricted only in Maharashtra, the product is selling smoothly across other states, leaving around 300 employees stranded.

Core of the Regulatory Dispute

FSSAI contends that Old Monk blends neutral spirit with added 'rum flavor', which masks the natural structure of the base spirit. The authority maintains that adding such flavors under standard product names misleads consumers unless labeled as 'flavored spirit' or 'rum-like'. Additionally, FSSAI has raised objections to aging descriptors like '7 Years Old Blended' and 'Very Old Vatted'.

Manufacturer's Stand and Next Steps

Conversely, the manufacturer argues that food safety regulations permit the use of neutral spirits with approved additives. The company claims that competitors use identical manufacturing processes, yet Old Monk has been singled out for restrictions. The High Court has scheduled the final hearing on merits for October 23, having previously declined immediate interim relief against the sales ban.