FSSAI revokes stop-sale order on 11 Enrica liquor brands after compliance pledge
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn its earlier directive that had ordered the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) to halt the sale of 11 liquor variants manufactured by Enrica Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. The reversal came after the company appealed against the order and assured authorities that it would comply with food safety regulations.
On Thursday, Tasmac issued a notice across its network of shops, instructing them to suspend sales of these products following an FSSAI inspection that flagged the presence of natural identical and artificial flavouring substances. The affected variants included VSOP Exshaw Gold Brandy, Louis Vernant XO Blended Premium Brandy, McDowells VSOP Brandy, No.1 McDowells Fine Brandy, Mensclub Deluxe Brandy, Honey Bee Fine Brandy, Enrica VSOP Select Brandy, Enrica Platinum Reserve XO Brandy, Enrica Premium French Brandy, Veeran Special Brandy, and Enrica Old Indie Classic Dark Rum.
However, within a day, the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise, R. Gajalakshmi, issued a fresh notice revoking the earlier directive. A senior FSSAI official said the company had appealed against the prohibition and assured compliance. “We have given them 30 days’ notice. If they fail to comply, we can take further action,” the official said.
The original order, dated August 11, had been issued after the inspection found the substances in question, and it demanded that sales stop immediately. The latest development means that the products can return to shelves while the company works on corrective measures within the stipulated timeframe.
This episode underscores the regulatory framework under the Food Safety and Standards Act, which allows businesses to seek a review of orders while committing to rectify lapses. The improvement notice offers Enrica Enterprises an opportunity to address the FSSAI’s concerns before any enforcement action is taken.
Consumers in Tamil Nadu, where these brands are widely available through Tasmac outlets, may see the products back in stock. However, the FSSAI’s monitoring will continue, and the company must demonstrate compliance within 30 days to avoid further penalties.
The case also highlights the role of state agencies like Tasmac in promptly implementing food safety directives, even as businesses exercise their right to appeal. The final outcome will depend on how effectively Enrica Enterprises resolves the flavouring issue as per the regulator’s standards.
