India Seizes Thousands of Diageo Liquor Bottles Over Labeling Violations

Indian food safety officials seized approximately 18,000 boxes of Diageo liquor bottles, worth around $1.6 million, after inspectors found the plastic packaging lacked required markings confirming it was made from safe, food-grade recycled material. The seizure followed a factory inspection in Bengaluru, where officials discovered bottles carried only basic plastic identification rather than the government-mandated recycled content symbol.

Multiple Popular Brands Affected

The affected products span more than half a dozen brands, including well known whisky and vodka labels sold in smaller plastic bottles. Diageo’s India unit confirmed the regulatory action, stating the bottles were quarantined pending further direction, while maintaining that its products remain safe for consumption and that the recycled material came from an approved supplier that conducted mandatory testing.

Part of a Wider Regulatory Crackdown

The seizure adds to mounting pressure on Diageo in India, coming shortly after regulators barred two of its whisky brands over allegations of misleading claims about aging and artificial flavoring. The scrutiny extends beyond Diageo to other liquor and food companies, rattling India’s large alcohol industry as authorities tighten enforcement around labeling and compliance standards nationwide.