FOOD
SAFETY AND STANDARDS (ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES) REGULATIONS, 2018
PREAMBLE
Whereas the draft of
the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages Standards) Regulations,
2016, was published as required under subsection(1) of section 92 of the Food
Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (34 of 2006), vide notification of the Food
Safety and Standards Authority of India F. No. 2/SA24/2009(1)/FSSAI, dated the
5th September, 2016, in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section
4, inviting objections and suggestions from the persons likely to be affected
thereby, before the expiry of a period of thirty days from the date on which
the copies of the Gazette containing the said notification were made available
to the public; And whereas copies of the said Gazette were made available to
the public on the 9th September, 2016;
And whereas
objections and suggestions received on the said draft regulations have been
considered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India;
Now, therefore, in
exercise of the powers conferred by clause (v) of subsection (2) of section 92
of the said act, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India hereby makes
the following regulations, namely:
Preliminary
Regulation - 1. Short title, application and commencement.
(1) These regulations may
be called the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations,
2018.
(2) The standards
specified in these regulations shall apply to distilled and undistilled
alcoholic beverages.
(3) They shall come into
force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette and Food
Business Operator shall comply with all the provisions of these regulations by
1st April, 2019.
Regulation – 2. Definitions.
In these regulations,
unless the context otherwise requires.
(1) "Act" means
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006(34 of 2006);
(2) "alcohol by
volume (abv)" means ethyl alcohol (ethanol) content in an alcoholic
beverage expressed as per cent. of total volume;
(3) "alcoholic
beverage" means a beverage or a liquor or a brew containing more than 0.5
per cent. abv. The ethanol used in the production of alcoholic beverage shall
be of agricultural origin;
[1][Provided that this
limit shall be zero in case of Alcohol free beer.]
(4) "alcohol
proof" means 1.75131 times the ethanol content in an alcoholic beverage by
volume;
(5) "distilled
alcoholic beverage" means a distilled beverage, spirit, or liquor
containing ethanol that is made by distilling ethanol produced by fermentation
of cereal grains, fruits, vegetables, molasses or any other source of
carbohydrates of agricultural origin;
(6) "ethyl alcohol
or ethanol" means a transparent, colourless, flammable, volatile liquid
miscible with water, ether or chloroform and obtained by the fermentation of
carbohydrates with yeast. Ethyl alcohol has the chemical formula C2H5OH,
has a burning taste, and causes intoxication on consumption;
(7) "hops"
means the female flowers or seed cones or strobiles of the hop plant
(Humuluslupulus), or its products used to impart a bitter taste or flavour to
beer;
(8) "methyl alcohol
or methanol" means a clear, colourless, flammable liquid having chemical
formula, CH3OH, consumption of which above the specified limits may cause
blindness or death;
(9) [2]["nonalcoholic
counterpart of alcoholic beverage" means nonalcoholic beverage having
alcohol content less than or equal to 0.5% alcohol by volume, which shall meet
all the requirements of respective alcoholic beverage of origin except the
ethyl alcohol content. Additionally, the alcoholic beverage of the origin must
undergo the process of fermentation and the produced alcohol is removed
thereafter.]
(10) "neutral spirit
or neutral alcohol or neutral grain spirit or pure grain alcohol or extra
neutral alcohol (ENA)" means a product obtained by distillation and
rectification, with a minimum alcoholic strength of 96 per cent. abv, after
alcoholic fermentation of cereal grains, fruits, vegetables, molasses or any
other source of carbohydrates of agricultural origin;
(11) "potstill or
column distilled spirit" means the product of distillation done either in
a potstill in batches, or in continuous columns;
(12) "psychotropic
substance" means substance as defined in the Schedule of the Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (61 of 1985) and rules made
thereunder, and substances listed in Schedule E and E1 of the Drugs and
Cosmetic Rules, 1945;
(13) "rectified
spirit" means spirit purified by distillation to achieve strength of not
less than 95 per cent. abv;
(14) "standard"
means as defined in the Act;
(15) "table"
means the tables appended to these regulations;
(16) "undistilled
alcoholic beverage or fermented beverage" means fermented undistilled
alcoholic beverage such as beer, wine, cider, or any other similar products;
(17) "yeast"
means a unicellular microorganism responsible for fermentation of sugars to
produce ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Regulation – 3. General requirements.
(1) Alcoholic beverages
shall be free from chloral hydrate, ammonium chloride, paraldehyde, pyridine,
diazepam or narcotic, psychotropic substances including caffeine except
naturallyoccurring caffeine.
(2) [3][The tolerance limit
for ethyl alcohol content for up to 20% abv shall be ± 0.3 per cent (0.5 per
cent for up to 90 ml per bottle) and for more than 20% abv it shall be ±1.0 per
cent (1.5 per cent for up to 90 ml per bottle) of the declared strength. In case
of wine the tolerance limit shall be ±0.5.]
(3) Sugar may be added
for rounding off of the alcoholic beverage.
(4) The water used for
dilution to bottling strength shall meet the requirements as specified in
Indian Standards for Drinking Water, IS:10500 as amended from time to time.
(5) Alcoholic beverage
may contain additives, enzymes and processing aids as permitted under the Food
Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations,
2011.
(6) Any alcoholic
beverage when labelled as "matured", shall be matured for a period of
not less than one year in oak or other suitable wood vats or barrels or with
wooden chips.
(7) Where an age claim is
made in conjunction with the word "aged", the age must refer to the
youngest spirit in the blend.
(8) The test methods
prescribed in the FSSAI "Manual of Methods of Analysis of FoodsAlcoholic
Beverages" as amended from time to time shall be used for analysis.
(9) Alcoholic beverage
shall be packed in suitable containers as specified in the Food Safety and
Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011:
Provided that bulk
containers shall have no upper limit for alcohol content, and shall meet the
safety parameters of the product standards. Such products shall also carry a
label declaring, "For Manufacturer of Alcoholic Beverages only.
(10) [4][Alcoholic beverage
containing more than 0.5 per cent abv but not more than 8.0 per cent. abv may
be called as low alcoholic beverage. Low Alcoholic beverages, other than wine
and beer shall conform to the requirements of Table4.]
Regulation - 4.
The words and
expressions used but not defined in these regulations shall have the same
meaning assigned to them in the Act and the rules made thereunder.
Part 2 Distilled Alcoholic
Beverages
Regulation – 5. Brandy.
Brandy is an
alcoholic beverage made by distillation of wine. Brandy may be aged or matured
to possess aroma and taste characteristic of brandy. Brandy may be of the
following types:
(1) Grape brandy: Grape
brandy shall be an alcoholic distillate obtained solely from the fermented
juice of grapes. Distillation shall be carried out to a suitable strength in
such a way that the distillate has an aroma and taste characteristics derived
from the grapes used and the constituents formed during fermentation 1[and
aging].
In case of brandy
made from any fruit other than grapes, the name of the fruit shall be prefixed
with the word 'Brandy'.
(2) Blended brandy:
Blended brandy is a mixture of minimum 2 per cent. of pure grape brandy with
any other fruit or flower brandy or neutral spirit or rectified spirit of
agricultural origin. If any other fruit brandy is used for blending, the name
of such fruit shall be prefixed with the word 'Brandy' [5][(example
Apple Brandy, Plum Brandy)]. It shall possess the characteristic aroma and taste
of brandy.
The Brandy shall also
conform to the general requirement specified in Part 1 and requirements
specified in Table 1. 2.2 Country
liquors Country liquors or spirits are alcoholic beverages obtained from
distillation of fermented carbohydrates of agricultural origin. Country liquors
may also be of the following types:
(3) Plain country liquor:
Plain country liquor shall be made from alcoholic distillate obtained from
fermented molasses, jaggery (Gur), mash of cereals, potato, cassava, fruits,
juice or sap of coconut and palm trees, mahua flowers or any other
carbohydrates of agricultural origin.
(4) Blended country
liquor: Blended country liquor is a blend of an alcoholic distillate, rectified
spirit or neutral spirit. Country liquor shall also conform to the general
requirement specified in Part 1 and requirements specified in Table 1.
(5) [6][Indian Brandy:
Indian brandy shall be made either from neutral spirit or rectified spirit or a
mixture of both. On the label, the name 'Indian Brandy' shall be followed by a
statement within brackets as 'made from molasses spirit/grain spirit/neutral spirit'
with a font size that is easily readable. The font size of the words 'Indian'
and 'Brandy' shall be same.]
Regulation – 6. Fenny or Feni.
Fenny or Feni is a
distilled liquor made from the fermented juice of cashew apple or coconut
toddy. Fenny shall also conform to the general requirement specified in Part 1
and requirements specified in Table 1.
Regulation – 7. Gin.
Gin is a distilled
alcoholic beverage made from neutral spirit of agricultural origin flavoured
with juniper berries and or other flavoring agents of botanical origin. It
shall be clear and shall not develop any turbidity on dilution with water. Gin
shall have the characteristic aroma and taste associated with gin. Gin
shall conform to the general requirement specified in Part 1 and requirements
specified in Table 1.
Regulation – 8. Rum
Rum is an alcoholic
distillate obtained from fermented juice of sugarcane, sugarcane molasses, or
any other sugarcane product, and shall not contain any colouring matter other
than caramel. It may also be prepared from neutral, rectified, distilled spirit
of agricultural origin. Rum without colour shall be designated as transparent rum.
Rum shall possess the characteristic taste and aroma associated with the
product.
Rum shall also
conform to the general requirement specified in Part 1 and the requirements
specified in Table1.
Regulation – 9. Vodka
Vodka is a distilled
alcoholic beverage made from the neutral spirit obtained from fermented mash of
rye, potato, cassava, grains or any other carbohydrates of agricultural origin.
Vodka shall also
conform to the general requirement specified in Part 1 and the requirements
specified in Table1.
Regulation – 10. Liqueur or Cordial or Apertifs
Liqueur or cordial or
aperitif isan alcoholic beverage made from distilled spirit of agricultural
origin that is flavoured with fruit, cream, herbs, spices, essential oils, and
products of botanical origin. It may contain more than 2.5 per cent of sucrose,
dextrose, laevulose, natural sweeteners (like honey), or a combination thereof.
Liqueur or cordials
or aperitif shall conform to the general requirements specified in Part 1 and
the requirements specified in Table1.
Regulation - 11. Whisky or Whiskey
Whisky is an
alcoholic beverage made by distilling the fermented extract of malted cereal
grains such as corn, rye, barley, or using neutral grain spirit or rectified
grain spirit, or neutral spirit of agricultural origin, or their mixture.
Whisky may also be of the following types:
(1) 2.8.1 Malt or grain
whisky: Malt or grain whisky is a distillate obtained from fermented mash of
malted or unmalted cereals or a mixture of both with characteristic aroma and
taste. It may also be of the following types:
[7][(i) Single malt or
Single grain whisky: Single malt or Single grain whisky is a distillate
obtained from fermented mash that uses one particular malted barley or malted
grain, respectively, distilled in pot still only, and produced in a single
distillery.]
(ii)
Blended malt whisky or blended grain
whisky: Blended malt or grain whisky shall be a mixture of at least 2 per cent
from barley malt or grain whisky, with neutral or rectified spirit.
(2) Whisky shall also
conform to the general requirement specified in Part 1 and the requirements
specified in Table 1.
Regulation – 12. Potstill distilled spirit
Potstill distilled
spirit is an alcoholic beverage obtained from multiple distillations of
fermented molasses, jaggery (Gur), mash of cereals, potato, cassava, fruits
(like grape), juice or sap of coconut and palm trees, agave plant, sugarcane juice,
cashew apple, mahua flowers, or any other source of fermentable carbohydrates
of agriculture origin.
Potstill distilled
spirit shall be free from any colouring matter except caramel, or natural color
obtained by ageing in oak or other suitable wooden barrel, and finishing or
infusing with wood chips.
Potstill distilled
spirit shall also conform to the general requirement specified in Part 1 and
requirements specified in Table 1.
Part 3 Wine and other
Fermented Beverages
Regulation – 13. Wine
Save as specifically
mentioned in different categories, wine shall be the undistilled alcoholic
beverage produced by the partial or complete alcoholic fermentation of the
juice of fresh sound ripe grapes, including grape juice concentrate, restored
or unrestored pure condensed grape must, and raisins:
Provided that a
vintage wine is a wine made from grapes, at least 85 per cent of which were
grown in a particular year and labelled as such. A season's yield of wine from
a vineyard is a vintage wine. Wine may be of the following types:
(1) Table wine or grape
wine: [8][Table
wine may be of following types.]
(2) Red wine: Red wine
shall be made from the grape varieties, red or mixture of red and transparent. The
fermentation shall be carried out along with the grape skin to allow extraction
of colour and tannins, which contribute to the typical color and flavor of the
wine.
Wine having pink
colour produced during fermentation with less contact time with skin may be
called as Rose wine, and shall conform to the requirement specified for Red
wine.
(3) White wine: White
wine shall be prepared by fermentation of transparent grapes or from juice extracted
after removal of skin of red grapes. Based on sugar content Table wine may be
of the following types:
[9][(i) Dry wine: Dry wine is a wine that contains
upto 0.9 per cent. sugar.]
(ii)
Medium dry wine: Medium dry wine is a
wine that contains more than 0.9 upto 1.2 per cent. sugar.
(iii)
Medium sweet wine: Medium sweet wine is
a wine that contains more than 1.2 upto 4.5 per cent. sugar.
(iv)
Sweet wine: Sweet wine is a wine that
contains more than 4.5 per cent. sugar.
(4) Based on carbon
dioxide content, wine may be of the following types:
(5) Semi sparkling or
Crackling: Semi sparkling or Crackling wine has a carbon dioxide content of 3.0
to 5.0g/l or 1.5 to 2.5 bar pressure, at 20o C resulting solely
from either the primary or the secondary fermentation of the wine within a
closed container, tank or bottle.
(6) [10][Sparkling: Sparkling
wine has a carbon dioxide content of minimum 7.0 g/l or 3.5 bar pressure at
20§C resulting solely from either the primary or the secondary fermentation of
the wine within a closed container, tank or bottle. Based on the sugar content
the sparkling wines maybe of the following types:
(i) Brut: It has sugar
content below 1.2 per cent.
(ii) ExtraDry: It contains
more than 1.2 up to 1.7 per cent. sugar with a tolerance of 0.3 per cent.
(iii) Dry: It contains more
than 1.7 up to 3.2 per cent. sugar with a tolerance of 0.3 per cent.
(iv) SemiDry: It is a wine
which contains more than 3.2 up to 5.0 per cent. sugar.
(v) Sweet: It contains
more than 5.0 per cent. sugar.]
(7) Carbonated wine:
Carbonated wine is made effervescent with carbon dioxide other than that
resulting solely from the secondary fermentation of the wine.
(8) [11][Fortified wine:
Fortified wine is a wine with high alcohol content achieved by the addition of
alcohol (brandy or wine spirits or neutral spirit of agricultural origin)
provided a minimum 7.0 per cent comes from fermentation of grapes, grape must
and fruits and used as aperitif or dessert wine. Fortified wine may be red or
transparent, dry or sweet.
Fortified wines are
of following types:
(9) Sherry: is commonly a
transparent wine fermented to dryness followed by the addition of alcohol (brandy or
wine spirits) to stabilize during maturation in contact with air.
(10) Aromatized wine is a
beverage obtained from at least 75% by volume of wine, which has undergone an
aromatisation process; to which ethyl alcohol of viticultural origin and/or a
wine distillate and/or alcohol of agricultural origin could have been added;
which could have undergone a sweetening and/or colouring and/or undergone one
or more of other specific oenological practices applicable to this beverage;
with an actual alcoholic strength by volume varying between 14.5% minimum and
22%.]
(11) Wine from fruits
other than grapes
Fruit wine is a wine
produced from fruit other than grapes [12][(should
be prefixed with the name of the fruit. Example wine such as plum wine, apricot
wine, pear wine)]. It is produced by the normal alcoholic fermentation of the
juice of sound, ripe fruit including restored or unrestored pure condensed
fruit must. It may be of following types:
(12) Cider: Cider is a
fermented alcoholic beverage made from apple juice. It may be soft cider having
alcohol content of more than 0.5 upto 5.0 per cent, or hard cider having an
alcohol content of more than 5.0 upto 9.0 per cent.
(13) Perry: Perry is a
wine prepared from pear juice.
(14) [13][***]
(15) Wine from other
agricultural and plant sources:
Wine from other
agricultural and plant sources may be produced by the normal alcoholic
fermentation of the juice or sap of other agricultural and plant sources with
or without the addition of sugar or jaggery. It may include the following:
(16) [14][Palm wine/Toddy:
Palm wine/Toddy is a wine prepared from sap of palm trees and coconut palms.]
(17) Bamboo wine: Bamboo
wine is a wine prepared from bamboo sap.
(18) [15][Wine Based
Beverages: Winebased beverage is a beverage obtained from at least 50 by volume
of wine, which could have undergone the treatments such as sweetening,
colouring, addition of aromatising substances or preparations, addition of
foodrelated products, including water, for which the actual alcoholic strength
by volume is equal to or above 3.5 vol. and below 14.5 vol., and for which the alcoholic
component derives exclusively from the wine or special wine used, except for
doses used only to dilute aromatic substances, or colorants, or any other
approved substance.]
Regulation – 14.
In addition to
general requirement specified in Part 1 and the requirements specified in
Table2, wine shall also confirm to the following requirements:
(i) It shall be clear
with characteristic colour, taste, bouquet and form of its type.
(ii) It shall be preserved
by pasteurization or by using preservatives specified in Food Safety and
Standards (Food Product and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 and shall be free
from coliforms and pathogenic microorganisms.
(iii) [16][Water added in
preparation of wine shall not be more than 70 ml per kg of grape or fruit:
(a) necessary to incorporate
any permitted additive and processing aid
(b) necessary to
facilitate fermentation; or
(c) incidental to the
winemaking process.
Provided that water
may be added to wine to facilitate fermentation if the water is added to dilute
the high sugar grape must prior to fermentation and does not dilute the must
below 13.5 degree brix.]
(iv) Wine may be
amliorated by adding separately or in combination, dry sugar or jaggery (not
more than 20 per cent) before, during or after fermentation.
Part -4 Beer
Regulation – 15. Beer
Beer is a fermented
alcoholic beverage made from barley malt or other malted grains, sometimes with
added adjuncts like wheat, maize, corn, rice or other cereal crops, and with
hops or hop extracts to impart a bitter taste and flavour.
Depending upon the
ethyl alcohol content, beer maybe classified as under:
(i) Regular or MildAbv
more than 0.5 percent upto 5.0 per cent.
(ii) Strong Abv more than 5.0 per cent upto 8.0 per cent.
Beer may also be of the following types based on the yeast used during fermentation:
(1) Lager: Lager beer is
prepared by using bottom fermenting yeast and matured at low temperature. It
can be found in colours from light to dark. Pilsner is a type of lager beer
which is light in colour and has a medium hop flavour.
(2) Ale: Ale beer is prepared
by using top fermenting yeast and is usually lighter in colour. It is also
prepared from pale malt and has a medium body.
(3) Wheat beer: Wheat
beer is brewed with a large proportion of wheat and may also contain a
significant proportion of malted barley. Wheat beer is usually topfermented.
Wheat beer is sometimes hazy or cloudy with a touch of spicy notes.
(4) Stout and porter:
Stouts and porters are dark beers made using roasted malts or roasted barley
and typically brewed with slow fermenting yeast.
(iii) [17][Alcohol free beerAbv
0.0 (for other parameters, alcohol free beer shall comply with the limits
specified for regular beer).]
Regulation – 16. Draught beer
Draught beer is a
beer of all types i.e., lager, ale, stout and porter or wheat, and may or may not
be pasteurized. It is served from a cask or keg.
[18][(1) Craft beer is
made in a microbrewery/pubbrewery, and may be aromatized with suitable food
ingredients. It may or may not be filtered and pasteurized, and may be sold in
casks, kegs, bottles, or cans]
[19][(2) Flavoured Beer:
Beer containing flavours as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards
(Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 and such beer
shall meet all the other requirements of the beer, as specified under these
regulations.]
Regulation – 17.
In addition to the
general requirement specified in Part 1 and the requirements specified in
Table3, beer shall also confirm to the following requirements:
(i) It shall be clear
(except wheat beer) with characteristic colour, taste, bouquet and form of its
type. It shall be bottled or canned, and pasteurized or filter sterilized,
except draught beer which may or may not be pasteurized or filter sterilized.
(ii) It shall be free from
coliforms and other pathogenic microorganisms.
Part -5 Specific Labeling
Requirements for Alcoholic Beverages
Regulation -18.
In addition to the
general labeling provsions specified in the Food Safety and Standards
(Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, as applicable, every package
containing alcoholic beverages shall also provide the following information on
the label:
(1) Declaration of
alcohol content: Alcohol content shall be expressed as per cent. abv or as
proof.
(2) [20][The Pot distilled
alcohol shall be labelled as 'PotStill/PotStill Distilled/PotDistilled' on the
package.]
(3) Labeling of standard
drink: One standard drink is the amount of beverage that contains in it 12.7 ml
of abv as measured at 200C. The label may include a statement of
the approximate number of standard drinks in the package.
Note: For example in
the case of a bottle of 750 ml beverage containing 8 per cent. alcohol, the
number of standard drinks, accurate to the first decimal place will be labelled
as; "contains approximately 4.8 standard drinks"
(4) [21][Geographical
indicators (GI) or names may be used on the label solely for the products
originating from that geographical region.
Such products shall
be registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and
Protection) Act, 1999 and meet the country specific regulations for such GI
products of the country of origin.
Further, such
products shall conform to the limits of heavy metals and microbiological
requirements as specified under these regulations and other regulations
notified under the Act. Labelling requirements as given under these regulations
and other regulations notified under the Act shall also apply.]
(5) In case of imported
alcoholic beverage, the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Import)
Regulations, 2017, shall apply.
(6) Alcoholic beverage
shall not contain any nutritional information on the label.
(7) No health claim shall
be made on alcoholic beverage.
(8) The label of a
package of a beverage containing more than 0.5 per cent abv shall not use the
words 'nonintoxicating' or words implying similar meaning.
(9) Food containing
alcohol must not be represented in a form which expressly or by implication
suggests that the product is a nonalcoholic confection or nonalcoholic
beverage.
(10) [22][Labelling of wine
(11) in addition to
requirements mentioned in subregulations 5.1 to 5.6, the label on wine shall
also:
(i) Indicate the origin
(country or state) of wine and declare the range of sugar.
(ii) Declare the generic
name of variety of grape or fruit used in descending order of quantity or raw
material used, geographic origin, and vintage year, provided such claims are
made.
(iii) Declare the name of
residues of preservatives or additives present as such, or in their modified
forms, in the final product.
(iv) Declare the name of
the place, or region, subregion or appellation, if 75 per cent the grapes come
from that place.
(v) Carry the name of a
grape variety, the wine is made from at least 75 per cent from that grape
variety.
(vi) Carry a date of
vintage, if at least 85 per cent of the wine comes from that vintage.]
(12) Alcoholic beverage
other than wine which contain less than 10 per cent alcohol shall mention the
date, month and year of expiry on the label, in that order and shall preceed by
the words "Expiry date _____" or Use by ______". However, the
manufacturer may use the expression "Best before" as optional or
additional information.
(13) Allergen warning:
(14) If the wine contains
more than 10 mg sulfur dioxide per litre, the label must declare "Contains
sulfur dioxide or Contains sulfite".
(15) If egg transparent or ising
glass as fining, clarifying agent or any other processing aid of animal origin
is used in wine, it shall be declared on the label with a nonvegetarian logo,
if residues of the same are present in the final product.
(16) There shall be a
statutory warning as mentioned below, printed in English language. In case,
respective states wish the same to be printed in their local or regional
language, the same shall be allowed without the need for repeating the English
version. [23][Size
of statutory warning shall not be less than 1.5 mm for pack size of upto 200 ml
and for pack size above 200 ml, size of the warning shall not be less than 3
mm.]
CONSUMPTION OF
ALCOHOL IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH. BE SAFEDONT DRINK AND DRIVE.
[See regulation 2.1]
TABLE1
Sr. No. |
Characteristics |
Brandy or Grape Brandy |
Blended Brandy |
Country Liquor or Plain Country
Liquor |
Blended Country Liquors |
Fenny |
Gin |
Liqueur or Cordial or Apertif |
Rum |
White Rum |
Vodka |
Whisky |
Malt or Grain Whisky or Single malt |
Blended Whisky |
Pot Distilled Spirits |
|
Cashew |
Coconut |
|||||||||||||||
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
(7) |
(8) |
(9) |
(10) |
(11) |
(12) |
(13) |
(14) |
(15) |
(16) |
(17) |
1. |
Ethyl alcohol content at 20 ͦC
(per cent by volume), Max |
36 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
19 to 43 |
19 to 43 |
19 to 43 |
19 to 43 |
36 to 50 |
15 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
36 to 50 |
2. |
Residue on evaporation per cent (m/v)
, Max* |
2.0 |
2.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
2.5 |
50.0 |
2.0 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
4.0 |
3. |
Volatile acids as acetic acid
(expressed as g/100 l of absolute alcohol),Max |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
50.0 |
60.0 |
200.0 |
10.0 |
100.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
10.0 |
50.0 |
150.0 |
100.0 |
150.0 |
4. |
Higher alcohols as amyl alcohol (as
g/100 l of absolute alcohol), Max |
600.0 |
350.0 |
250.0 |
250.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
50.0 |
350.0 |
200.0 |
50.0 |
750 |
750.0 |
750 |
750.0 |
5. |
Methyl alcohol 5[expressed as g/100 l of absolute
alcohol], Max |
150.0 |
100.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
150.00 |
absent |
20.0 |
10 |
20.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
30.0 |
20.0 |
300.0 |
6. |
Total esters as ethyl acetate
(expressedas g/100 l of absolute alcohol),Max |
350.0 |
250.0 |
150.0 |
100.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
30.0 |
50.0 |
150.0 |
150.0 |
50.0 |
100 |
200.0 |
150.0 |
350.0 |
7. |
Furfural (expressed as g/100 l of abso lute alcohol), Max |
12.0 |
12.0 |
12.0 |
12.0 |
5.0 |
2.0 |
12.0 |
12.0 |
10.0 |
5.0 |
12.0 |
6.0 |
12.0 |
6.0 |
12.0 |
8. |
Aldehydes as acetaldehyde (expressed
as g/100 l of absolute alcohol), Max |
45.0 |
45.0 |
35.0 |
35.0 |
25.0 |
10.0 |
20.0 |
20 |
30.0 |
30.0 |
15.0 |
15.0 |
50.0 |
35.0 |
50.0 |
9. |
Arsenic mg/l, Max |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
10. |
Cadmium mg/l, Max |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
11. |
Copper mg/l, Max |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
12. |
Lead mg/l, Max |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
13. |
Mercury mg/l, Max |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
"[24][For
flavoured/premix rum, vodka, whisky, gin and for low alcoholic beverages the
maximum limit of residue on evaporation shall be 25 per cent (m/v).]
"" means
Not Applicable
TABLE
2
[See
regulation 3.1]
S. No. |
Characteristics |
[25][Table Wine] |
Wine with car bon dioxide |
Fortified Wine |
Fruit Wine (other than grape wine) |
Cider |
Perry |
Wine from other Agri cultural and Plant Sources |
|
White |
Red |
||||||||
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
(7) |
(8) |
(9) |
(10) |
1. |
Ethyl alcohol content at 20C, % by
volume |
7.0 to 15.5 |
7.0 to 15.5 |
7.0 to15.5 |
15.0 to 24.0 |
7.0 to 15.5 |
More than 0.5 to9.0 |
More than 0.5 to 9.0 |
1.5 to 8.0 |
2. |
Residual extract (sugar free) g/l, Max |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
180.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
3. |
Volatile acids as acetic acid g/l,
Max |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
4. |
Higher alcohols expressed as amyl
alcohol (g/l) of absolute alcohol, Max |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
||
5. |
Total acids expressed as tartaric
(g/l of wine), Max |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
6. |
Methyl alcohol (mg/l of wine), Max |
250 |
400 |
400 |
400 |
400 |
250 |
250 |
250 |
7. |
Esters expressed as ethyl acetate (g/l
of absolute alcohol), Max |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
8. |
Aldehydes expressed as acetalde hyde
(g/ l of absolute alcohol), Max |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
9. |
Arsenic (mg/l), Max |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
10. |
Cadmium (mg/l), Max |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
11. |
Copper (mg/l), Max |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
12. |
Iron (as Fe) mg/l, Max |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
13. |
Lead (mg/l), Max |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
14. |
Ochratoxin A (ug/l), Max |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
"means Not
Applicable; [26][Wine
based beverages shall comply with the standards of table wine in accordance
with their ethyl alcohol content.]
[27][TABLE3
[See
subregulation 4.1]
Sl. No. |
Characteristics |
Beer |
Draught Beer |
Craft beer |
||
Regular |
Strong |
Regular |
Strong |
Regular |
||
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
(7) |
1. |
Ethyl alcohol content at 20§ C, per
cent by volume |
More than 0.5 up to 5.0 |
More than 5.0 up to 8.0 |
More than 0.5 up to 5.0 |
More than 5.0 up to 8.0 |
Up to 5.0 |
2. |
pH |
3.34.8 |
3.34.8 |
3.34.8 |
3.34.8 |
3.34.8 |
3. |
Carbon dioxide, v/v, Min |
1.83.6 |
1.83.6 |
1.83.6 |
1.83.6 |
1.83.6 |
4. |
Methyl alcohol mg/l, Max |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
5. |
Copper (mg/l), Max |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
6. |
Iron (as Fe) mg/l, Max |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
7. |
Lead (mg/l), Max |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
8. |
Arsenic (mg/l), Max |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
9. |
Cadmium (mg/l), Max |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
10. |
Total plate count, cfu per ml |
<10 |
<10 |
<100 |
<100 |
<100 |
11. |
Coliform count, cfu per ml |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
12. |
Wild Yeast and moulds, cfu per ml, max |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
13. |
Brewer's yeast, ** cfu per ml, max |
Absent |
Absent |
* |
* |
* |
"means limit not
prescribed.
"does not apply
to secondary fermented beer, which shall be declared on the label as secondary
fermented beer.]
[28][TABLE4
[See subregulation
1.3.9]
Requirements
for Low Alcoholic Beverages other than wine and beer
S. No. (1) |
Characteristics (2) |
Requirements (3) |
1. |
Ethyl alcohol content at 20 degree C,
per cent by volume |
>0.5 to 8.0 |
2. |
Residue on evaporation, per cent.
(m/v), Max. |
25.0 |
3. |
Total acids as tartaric acid, per
cent. (m/v), Max. |
1.0 |
4. |
Methyl alcohol(expressed in terms of
g/100 l of absolute alcohol), Max. |
25.0 |
5. |
Sugar, per cent. (w/v), Max. |
20.0 |
6. |
pH |
2.0 to 5.0 |
7. |
Copper (mg/l), Max. |
1.0 |
8. |
Iron (as Fe) mg/l, Max. |
5.0 |
9. |
Lead (mg/l), Max. |
0.2 |
10. |
Arsenic (mg/l), Max. |
0.25 |
11. |
Cadmium (mg/l), Max. |
0.1] |
"TABLE
3
[See regulation 4.1]
Sl. No. |
Characteristics |
Beer |
Draught Beer |
||
Regular |
Strong |
Regular |
Strong |
||
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
1. |
Ethyl alcohol content at 20 C, per
cent by volume |
More than 0.5 upto5.0 |
More than 5.0 upto 8.0 |
More than 0.5 upto 5.0 |
More than 5.0 upto 8.0 |
2. |
pH |
3.34.8 |
3.34.8 |
3.3
4.8 |
3.3
4.8 |
3. |
Carbon dioxide, v/v, Min |
1.83.6 |
1.83.6 |
1.83.6 |
1.83.6 |
4. |
Methyl alcohol mg/l, Max |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
5. |
Copper (mg/l), Max |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
6. |
Iron (as Fe) mg/l, Max |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
7. |
Lead (mg/l), Max |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
8. |
Arsenic (mg/l), Max |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
9. |
Cadmium (mg/l), Max |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
10. |
Total plate count, cfu per ml, Max |
<10 |
<10 |
<100 |
<100 |
11. |
Coliform count, cfu per ml |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
Absent |
12. |
Yeast, cfu per ml, max |
Absent |
Absent |
40 |
40" |
[1]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[2]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2022, vide Notification No.
Std/SP21/T(Alcohol5), dated 10.06.2022.
[3]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019,
dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for the following:
"1.3.2 The tolerance limit for ethyl
alcohol content shall be ± 0.3 per cent (± 0.5 in case of wines) for upto 20
per cent, and ± 1.0 per cent for more than 20 per cent abv of the declared
strength."
[4]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for the
following:
"Alcoholic beverage containing not more
than 8.0 per cent. abv may be called as low alcoholic beverage, and shall
conform to the requirements of table 1 except for residue on evaporation."
[5]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP (water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[6]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP (water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[7]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP (water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"(i) Single malt whisky: Single malt
whisky is a distillate obtained from fermented mash that uses one particular
malted grain or malted barley, distilled in pot still only, and produced from a
single distillery."
[8]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"(i) Dry wine: Dry wine is a wine that
contains 0.4 upto 0.9 per cent. sugar."
[9]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"(i) Dry wine: Dry wine is a wine that
contains 0.4 upto 0.9 per cent. sugar."
[10]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"3.1.2.2 Sparkling: Sparkling wine has a
carbon dioxide content of minimum 7.0 g/l or 3.5 bars pressure, at 20o C,
resulting solely from either the primary or the secondary fermentation of the
wine within a closed container, tank or bottle. Based on the sugar content the
sparkling wine may be of the following types:
(i) Brut: It has sugar content below 1.2 per
cent.
(ii) Extradry: It contains more than 1.2 upto
1.7 per cent. sugar with a tolerance of +0.3 per cent.
(iii) Dry: It contains more than 1.7 upto 3.2
per cent. sugar with a tolerance of +0.3 per cent.
(iv) Semidry: It is a wine which contains
more than 3.2 upto 5.0 per cent sugar.
(v) Sweet: It contains more than 5.0 per cent
sugar."
[11]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"3.1.3 Fortified wine: Fortified wine is
a wine with high alcohol content achieved by the addition of alcohol (brandy or
wine spirits or neutral spirit of agricultural origin) provided a minimum 7 .0
per cent comes from fermentation of grapes, grape must and fruits and used as
aperitif or dessert wine. Fortified wine may be red or transparent, dry or sweet.
3.1.3.1 Aromatized wine: Aromatized wine is a
fortified wine to which alcohol (brandy or wine spirits) and extract of
aromatic herbs and or spices are added. The aromatized wines are of the
following types:
(i) Vermouth: Vermouth is a wine having the
taste, aroma and characteristics derived from the addition of extract of herbs
and spices, attributed to vermouth, and shall be so designated.
(ii) Bitter aromatized wine: is an aromatized
wine with a characteristic bitter taste.
(iii) Dessert wine: Dessert wine is generally
sweet and fortified with grape brandy."
[12]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[13]
Omitted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, the
previous text was:
"3.1.4.3 Other fruit wines: Such wine
shall have the name of the fruit prefixed to wine."
[14]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"3.1.5.1 Palm wine: Palm wine is a wine
prepared from sap of palm trees and coconut palms."
[15]
Omitted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, the
previous text was:
"3.1.4.3 Other fruit wines: Such wine
shall have the name of the fruit prefixed to wine."
[16]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"(iii) Water added in preparation of
wine shall not be more than 30 ml per kg of grape or fruit."
[17]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[18]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[19]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2022, vide Notification No. Std/SP21/T(Alcohol5), dated
10.06.2022.
[20]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[21]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"5.3 Geographical indicators or names
may be used on the label solely for the products originating from that
geographical region."
[22]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019,
dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for the following:
"5.9.1 In addition to requirements
mentioned in subregulations 5.1 to 5.6, the label on wine shall also:
i) Indicate the origin (country or state) of
wine and declare the amount of sugar.
ii) List the name of variety of grape or
fruit used in descending order of quantity provided such clam is made.
iii) Declare the name of residues of
preservatives or additives present as such, or in their modified forms, in the
final product.
5.9.2 In addition the label on wine may:
i) Declare generic name of the grape and its
variety, or raw material used, geographic origin, and vintage year, provided
such claims are made.
ii) Declare the name of the place, or region,
subregion or appellation, if 75 per cent the grapes come from that place.
iii) Carry the name of a grape variety, the
wine is made from at least 75 per cent from that grape variety.
iv) Carry a date of vintage, if at least 85
per cent of the wine comes from that vintage."
[23]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP (water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"Size of statutory warning shall not be
less than 3 mm."
[24]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP (water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"For Flavoured Rum, flavoured Vodka and
for low alcoholic beverages the maximum limit shall be 25 per cent (m/v)."
[25]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP (water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
"Table or Grape Wine"
[26]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.
[27]
Substituted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP (water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021, for
the following:
[28]
Inserted by Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) First Amendment
Regulations, 2020, vide Notification No. Stds/SP(water and
Beverages)/Notification(1)/FSSAI2019, dated 18.12.2020, w.e.f. 01.07.2021.