FSSAI Revokes Ban on 11 Liquor Varieties at Tasmac Outlets Across Chennai

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revoked a prohibition order on 11 varieties of liquor sold at Tasmac outlets across Chennai, less than a day after halting their retail distribution.

The regulatory decision came after the manufacturer appealed the ban and committed to bringing its products into full compliance with food safety norms within a 30-day window.

Earlier in the week, FSSAI's southern regional office conducted an inspection at the manufacturing unit of distiller Enrica. Following the inspection, the authority issued a prohibitory order dated August 11 covering 10 varieties of brandy and one rum brand. The regulator noted that the distiller had incorporated nature-identical and artificial flavouring substances into the products.

Acting on the food safety authority's findings, the Tamil Nadu state prohibition and excise commissionerate issued a directive to the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) on Thursday. Tasmac was instructed to immediately halt all procurement of the affected liquor varieties from Enrica and bar their sale across retail counters.

Retail sales of the specified brands were subsequently halted on Friday. However, on the same day, FSSAI issued a fresh communication withdrawing its earlier prohibition order following the manufacturer's appeal and assurance of corrective action.

The state prohibition commissioner communicated the revocation to the Tasmac management, allowing the decision to take effect. Instead of the outright ban, the food safety authority has now served an improvement notice to the company, providing 30 days to rectify the issues and align with standard regulations.