Old Monk has been under heavy scrutiny over the past few months, to the extent that finding a bottle of Old Monk has become a task. Most recently, three variants have come under the hammer of the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) in Maharashtra regarding product labeling, the general nomenclature, various claims and the added flavors.
The three variants affected are Old Monk Gold Reserve Rum, Old Monk The Legends Rum and Old Monk XXX Matured Rum, all manufactured by Mohan Meakin. While general sales for the beverage have been affected across Maharashtra and part of Madhya Pradesh, the CSD initiative can have more repercussions for availability in defense canteens across the country.
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Operating under the Ministry of Defence, the Canteen Stores Department issued an order on August 11th informing the area managers to suspend any and all orders issued for the three variants of Old Monk. The move was enforced across Maharashtra by FSSAI. The CSD is known to have been one of Mohan Meakin’s biggest clients, although the new restrictions could impact wider sales numbers for the manufacturer.
Old Monk Gold Reserve, Old Monk The Legend Rum, Old Monk XXX Matured Rum are the three variants against which the suspension order has been issued. While it does not identify every variant of Old Monk, it has warranted the process of removal of the existing stocks from the defense canteens, whether it has been carried out or not is not reported as of this time.
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The Old Monk FSSAI action forms part of a wider regulatory examination of alcoholic beverages sold in Maharashtra. The concerns include product nomenclature, descriptions of blending, and the addition of flavoring substances.
The FSSAI’s directive is an attempt to establish a study of the regulatory policies around alcoholic beverages sold in the state. In Old Monk’s case they are accused of false advertising, improper labelling, descriptions and addition of flavor etc. The FSSAI has raised questions about the product being given out to customers and the violation of safety standards.
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Yes, the directive applies to other brands such as McDowell’s No.1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky. It is an indication that regulatory concerns stretches into multiple categories and brands, whilst in Old Monks the same problems might not affect other brands or different variants within Old Monk’s portfolio.
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The Canteen Store Department in itself is a major buyer of consumer goods. It is a nationwide operation, making it a nationwide distribution channel for manufacturers such as Mohan Meakin. While fresh orders for the previously mentioned Old Monk variants are cancelled, it does not mean that you won't find Old Monk in defense canteens or even that you won't find existing stock for the suspended products. Availability purely depends on how much stock remains.
Wondering which Old Monk variants are still available in India after the FSSAI ban? Check the full list.
As previously mentioned, the regulatory concerns have led to restrictions only in Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh. While it remains unclear whether or not the FSSAI will take similar actions in other states, as of last reporting, Canteen Stores in defense colonies have been asked to suspend the purchase of new stock however the decision on the old stock depends on if it will be made available.
Did you know FSSAI barred the sale of an Old Monk variant, Bagpiper, and Royal Challenge over artificial flavoring? Find out why.
The information presented in this article has been sourced from reports published by The Economic Times, The Indian Express, NDTV Food, and India Today. These references cover the suspension of Old Monk orders by defense canteens, the FSSAI's regulatory action, the ongoing legal proceedings, and concerns surrounding the brand's labeling and liquor classification.
The suspension of three variants of any brand will lead to a larger conversation around accurate labelling and product descriptions across the alcohol beverage industry in India. As of now the FSSAI has only curbed product sales in Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh, however only time will tell if the new CSD directive received will spill over across all Indian states.
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