The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a draft notification proposing key amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, primarily aimed at making the declaration of “standard drink” units mandatory on all alcoholic beverage labels. The draft regulations, titled the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Amendment Regulations, 2025, introduce specific changes to labeling requirements and product standards for wine categories. The FSSAI is seeking objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected, with the final regulations set to be considered after a 60-day public consultation period.
Mandatory Labeling for Standard Drink
A significant amendment involves the shift in the labeling requirement for “standard drink” units:
The word “may” in regulation 5.2 relating to the Labeling of standard drink shall be substituted with the word “shall”. This change mandates the clear declaration of the number of standard drinks contained in the alcoholic beverage container, converting a previously optional industry practice into a compulsory labeling rule.
Amendments to Wine Standards
The regulations propose two technical changes within the wine and wine-based beverages categories:
- Sparkling Wine (Brut): In regulation 3.1.2.2 relating to Sparkling wine, the definition for “Brut” (which requires a sugar content below 1.2 percent) will be amended to include a tolerance of 0.3 percent. This provides a buffer for compliance testing of the sugar content.
- Wine Based Beverages: In regulation 3.1.6 relating to Wine Based Beverages, the words “or special wine used” shall be deleted.
Public Consultation
The draft notification was published on October 30, 2025. The FSSAI invites objections or suggestions, which must be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002, or sent by e-mail at regulation@fssai.gov.in.
- Deadline: The consultation period is 60 days from the date the copies of the Official Gazette are made available to the public.