FSSAI Seizes 18,000 Boxes of Diageo Liquor: Indian food safety authorities have seized approximately 18,000 boxes of alcoholic beverages manufactured by Diageo’s Indian subsidiary, United Spirits, following an inspection at its Bengaluru facility.
According to media reports citing official documents, regulatory inspectors quarantined the stock after discovering that smaller plastic bottles lacked government-mandated recycled plastic safety symbols required to certify food-grade compliance.
The seized inventory, along with associated raw plastic packaging materials, is estimated to be worth around $1.6 million. The regulatory action involves several popular brands, primarily affecting 180-millilitre retail sizes packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers.
Missing Recycled PET Markings Prompt Public Health Action
FSSAI Seizes 18,000 Boxes of Diageo Liquor: The regulatory action was initiated following a recent audit by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at the United Spirits production unit in Bengaluru.
As per government memos cited in media reports, facility officials informed inspectors that recycled plastic was being utilized for bottling select alcoholic products.
However, upon physical verification, inspectors observed that while the bottles carried standard polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material identification codes, they omitted the compulsory recycled PET (rPET) symbol.
Under Indian food safety regulations, plastic packaging derived from recycled sources must feature specific, standardized markings confirming that the material has been certified safe for food and beverage contact.
Government memos highlighted that the absence of these mandatory symbols raised significant compliance concerns regarding misbranding, misleading declarations, and consumer safety.
Officials stated that the physical seizure was executed as a precautionary measure in the interest of public health.
Impacted Brands and Scope of the Seizure
FSSAI Seizes 18,000 Boxes of Diageo Liquor: The inspection specifically targeted small-format plastic bottles commonly referred to as “nips” or “quartes” (typically 180 ml), whereas Diageo’s larger liquor bottles are predominantly manufactured using glass.
According to media reports, the enforcement drive affected more than half a dozen prominent labels under the company’s portfolio.
Key brands identified in official documentation include:
DSP Black Deluxe Whisky
Smirnoff Zesty Lime Triple Distilled Flavoured Vodka
VAT 69 Blended Scotch Whisky
The total seized volume comprised roughly 18,000 commercial cases, alongside raw PET preforms and packaging supplies stored at the Bengaluru plant.
Diageo India Reassures Product Safety and Cooperates with FSSAI
FSSAI Seizes 18000 Boxes of Diageo Liquor: In an official statement responding to the seizure, Diageo’s Indian arm, United Spirits Limited, confirmed that a portion of its inventory had been placed under quarantine by regulatory authorities pending further directives.
The company emphasized that its beverages remain completely safe for human consumption and that there are no underlying product quality defects.
Diageo stated that the recycled plastic used in its packaging was sourced from an FSSAI-approved recycling partner and that all mandatory safety and material integrity tests were successfully conducted by its suppliers prior to bottling.
The liquor manufacturer confirmed that it is actively engaging with FSSAI officials to resolve labeling and documentation queries and ensure full regulatory compliance.
Part of a Broader Crackdown on the Alcohol Industry
FSSAI Seizes 18000 Boxes of Diageo Liquor: The seizure in Bengaluru comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny across India’s estimated $40-billion alcoholic beverage sector.
As reported by media outlets, the FSSAI has intensified checks on labeling practices, ingredient disclosures, maturity claims, and artificial flavoring across the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) segment.
The bottle seizure follows recent regulatory warnings issued to Diageo regarding labeling disclosures on certain whisky products.
Reports indicate that regulators previously flagged marketing statements concerning wood cask aging and the use of permitted flavoring substances, leading to heightened oversight of foreign and domestic distillers alike.
India represents one of Diageo’s largest growth markets globally, with the company reporting annual revenues of approximately $3 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2026.
Alongside French rival Pernod Ricard, Diageo holds a major market share in the country’s spirits industry.
As food safety authorities enforce stricter technical compliance, major industry players are expected to review packaging supply chains and labeling frameworks to prevent further distribution interruptions.
Also Read: Bengaluru Luxury Hotel Food Safety Raid: Expired Food and Fungal Vegetables Found in 26 Top Hotels