The iconic tag “7 years old blended” is all set to be dropped from the Old Monk labels. Yes, you read that right! The company behind the brand, Mohan Meakin, has confirmed at teh Bombay High Court that it will remove this tag from its labels. It has also agreed to make the label more informative by clearly stating the presence of added flavors. The changes are being made amid the objections raised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), recently raised questions on the composition and labelling of certain variants of Old Monk and also halted their sale in Maharashtra.
They raised objections to the contradictions between what went into the bottle and what was being communicated to the consumers regarding the same through its label. As per FSSAI, the matured rum spirit accounts for less than 5% of the blend, and the principal component is unmatured and neutral spirits instead of aged ones. They argue that, hence, the claim on the label by Old Monk “7 years old blend” is completely misleading to the consumer.
The objections were not restricted to the brand’s seven-year claim but also to the use of nature-identical or external artificial flavoring agents. As per FSSAI, rum must get its characteristic aroma and taste through fermentation and maturation, which are recognised manufacturing processes.
The food regulator argues that Old Monk actually did not rely on a naturally fermented spirit. Instead, it used neutral spirits mixed with artificial flavorings.
Also Read: Which Old Monk Variants Are Still Available In India After FSSAI Ban? Check The Full List
During the hearing, the Bombay High Court mentioned how the issue was not limited to the label claiming that the product is 7 years old blended. They questioned the information related to added flavors that appeared on the existing packaging.
The court also raised concerns about how consumers would read and understand the information when they are printed in such a small font.
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So, now, Mohan Meakin, in an effort to resolve this dispute, has produced an undertaking to the court. It promised to revise the packaging, wherein the company has agreed to remove the “7 years old blended” claim from the label. It has also agreed to clearly mention the presence of added flavors on the label. The company has hence been ordered to submit a fresh and revised printed label to the court for review.
However, there is no interim relief granted against the FSSAI’s prohibition on sale in Maharashtra order.
Also Read: FSSAI Bars Old Monk Variant, Bagpiper, Royal Challenge Sale Over Artificial Flavoring
In an effort to resolve the dispute, Old Monk has agreed to remove the “7 years old blended” tag from the label. It has also agreed to put all the necessary information, including about flavorings, on the label.
