FSSAI Conducts Inspection at Pernod Ricard Plant Amid Industry-Wide Alcohol Probe
India's food safety regulator, FSSAI, inspected Pernod Ricard's Bengaluru plant, collecting whisky samples and seeking documentation as part of a broader investigation into the alcohol sector. While no adverse findings were issued, Pernod was advised to improve hygiene and correct recycled-plastic markings on its bottles. This follows recent scrutiny of Diageo and other companies over labelling and flavouring issues.
India's food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), conducted a two-day inspection at Pernod Ricard's Bengaluru plant last week, collecting samples of its whisky brands and reviewing documentation. The inspection is part of a wider probe into the country's $40 billion alcohol sector, which has seen increased regulatory scrutiny in recent weeks.
While no adverse findings were issued against Pernod Ricard, officials reportedly advised the company to enhance hygiene standards at the plant and ensure accurate markings on bottles indicating the use of recycled plastic. Pernod Ricard confirmed the inspection, stating that regulatory checks are a routine part of industry compliance and that it maintains robust quality and safety standards.
## Samples and Documentation Collected
FSSAI officials collected samples of two of Pernod Ricard's popular whisky brands during the inspection:
| Brand Name | Description | |-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Blenders Pride | Described by Pernod as its "top premium blended whiskies in India" | | Royal Stag | Marketed as the first whisky in India without artificial flavourings |
The regulator also sought additional documentation from the company as part of the investigation.
## Broader Industry Scrutiny
The FSSAI's inspection of Pernod Ricard follows recent actions against other alcohol producers, including Diageo. Earlier this month, the regulator banned several whisky and rum brands from Diageo and other Indian companies, citing improper flavour additions. Diageo has since agreed to reformulate some of its brands to comply with regulations and secure a reversal of the ban in certain states.
In Diageo's case, the FSSAI flagged issues related to labelling and the incorrect addition of whisky flavour. Additionally, the regulator seized approximately 18,000 boxes of Diageo's liquor bottles for allegedly lacking proper markings indicating the use of safe recycled plastic.
Pernod Ricard faces additional challenges in India, including a $314 million demand for allegedly undervaluing Scotch whisky imports, an ongoing antitrust case, and a separate ban in New Delhi over alleged liquor policy violations, all of which the company denies.
