Thousands of Diageo whisky and vodka PET bottles seized in Bengaluru food safety crackdown

Indian food safety inspectors have seized around 18,000 boxes of liquor bottles from Diageo, the world's largest spirits group. The action in Bengaluru targeted plastic bottles, primarily those used for smaller quantities like 180 ml, which allegedly lacked required markings to confirm they were made using safe, recycled plastic.

Government sources indicated that while the bottles were made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), they should have carried a government-mandated recycled PET symbol signifying they were food-grade. Inspectors found this crucial marking missing, raising concerns about food safety and potential misbranding.

Diageo India, the local unit of the multinational company, confirmed the regulatory action. A spokesperson for United Spirits, the Diageo India unit, stated that some of their bottles have been quarantined pending further direction. The company asserted that their products are safe for consumption and that the bottles were sourced from a recycler approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). They are currently engaging with the FSSAI for clarification.

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Our products are completely safe for consumption ... We are engaging with FSSAI for further direction on this matter.