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Several major liquor brands, including Old Monk and Royal Challenge, have been banned, revealing the shocking reason.

Samira Vishwas | August 6, 2026 10:24 AM CST

Major Alcohol Brands Banned: Actually, in the lab test conducted by FSSAI, irregularities to artificial flavour and labelling were found in these brands, due to which the country’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken strict action and completely banned their sale in the market.

Several major liquor brands, including Old Monk and Royal Challenge, have been banned.

Old Monk Royal Challenge Ban Reason: If you also consume liquor from brands like Old Monk or Royal Challenge, then this news may be important for you. Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took a major step and banned the sale of selected products from these famous brands. Following this, these liquor brands will no longer be available at wine shops.

In fact, in the lab test conducted by FSSAI, irregularities to artificial flavours and labelling were found in these brands, due to which the country’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken strict action and completely banned their sale in the market.

Why did FSSAI take action?

According to the FSSAI, adding chemicals to enhance the flavor of alcohol is against regulations. The true color and flavor of whiskey and rum come naturally from fermentation and years of aging in wooden barrels. Companies have bypassed this lengthy process and resorted to artificial flavorings. This adulteration is considered substandard under regulations, which is why this strict action has been taken.

‘Premium’ test was being given with chemicals

FSSAI alleges that companies were giving liquor an “old and mature” taste by simply adding flavoring chemicals without any natural processing or time. This bypasses the need for genuine raw materials like malt, molasses, and grapes, and consumers are given a synthetic, chemical-based flavor in the guise of authenticity. According to the law, only natural flavorings are permitted in liquor. The use of any synthetic or artificial chemicals is completely illegal.

Will these brands disappear from the market completely?

This FSSAI ban doesn’t apply to all products of the entire country or brand, but only to manufacturing factories in specific states. It’s worth noting that this ban applies only to three specific variants: “Royal Challenge,” “Antiquity Blue,” and “Bagpiper,” produced in Madhya Pradesh, and “Old Monk,” produced in Maharashtra. Liquor produced in other states by these same brands will remain unaffected and will continue to be sold as before.