Tamil Nadu Orders Statewide Liquor Quality Checks After Enrica Controversy

The Tamil Nadu government has ordered comprehensive quality testing at all distilleries supplying liquor to the state, following concerns over the temporary ban and swift reinstatement of products manufactured by Enrica Enterprises. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which controls retail liquor sales in the state, procures beer from seven companies and spirits from 11 manufacturers. On August 13, TASMAC halted sales of 11 Enrica products following directions from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The prohibition was lifted the following day after the Prohibition and Excise authorities recommended resuming sales. Following this, officials have been instructed to carry out broader checks at all distilleries, with particular attention to whether alcohol concentrations remain within prescribed limits. The rapid reversal prompted questions from consumers and TASMAC employees over the adequacy of quality-control procedures and led to calls for stricter testing across the supply chain. A senior TASMAC official said liquor samples are routinely collected at distilleries and sent to the state laboratory in Guindy, Chennai. Bottling and distribution are permitted only after Prohibition and Excise officials assess the laboratory certificates. TASMAC has primarily relied on chemical analysis at the Guindy laboratory since November 2003. The standard test principally checks whether liquor meets the prescribed 42.8% alcohol-by-volume (ABV) benchmark. Wines generally contain 12–15% ABV, while beer typically ranges between 5% and 8%. TASMAC currently offers around 250 liquor brands, including more than 180 local liquor brands, 43 local beer brands and three local wine brands, along with brands from other states comprising six liquor, five beer and eight wine labels.