The Government of Karnataka has proposed amendments to the Karnataka Excise (Brewery) Rules, 1967, seeking to remove the requirement for beer manufacturers to disclose sugar content on product labels. The move has triggered a sharp divide between the brewing industry and public health experts.
A draft notification issued by the state finance department on April 10 proposes eliminating the clause mandating sugar disclosure on cans and bottles. Once notified in the official gazette, brewers will no longer be required to mention sugar content on labels.
Previously, the excise department had directed that sugar, if used as a raw material, must not exceed 25 per cent of the total weight of malt and must be listed alongside other ingredients. Karnataka was the only state enforcing such a rule, which did not align with norms set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The brewing industry has largely welcomed the proposed rollback.
Vinod Giri said the change addresses long-standing concerns.
“It is a good thing that the government is taking steps to reverse the rule, even if it causes some short-term disruption,” he said, noting that brewers had to maintain separate label inventories for Karnataka, increasing costs—especially for smaller manufacturers.
Finance Secretary Ritesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the amendment responds to industry demands.
The decision comes amid a decline in beer sales. Karnataka Excise Minister R B Thimmapur stated that sales dropped by 19.55 per cent, with 195.27 lakh cases sold till September 2025—down by 47.46 lakh cases compared to the same period in 2024. A further 14.59 per cent decline was recorded in early 2026.
While the government attributed the dip partly to external factors such as policy changes in neighbouring states and weather conditions, industry representatives have argued that mandatory sugar disclosure discouraged consumers.
Public health experts, however, have criticised the move, arguing that it weakens consumer awareness. A health department official said that while alcohol itself is the primary health concern, sugar disclosure still plays a role in informed decision-making.
“Providing information about sugar content raises awareness,” he said, adding that alcohol labelling remains outside the FSSAI’s jurisdiction, resulting in inconsistent state-level regulations.
Nutritionists expressed stronger opposition, stating, “Hiding sugar content is like hiding important information from consumers.” A nutritionist warned that higher sugar content can enhance taste, potentially increasing consumption, particularly among first-time drinkers.
The debate unfolds concerning consumption patterns. According to the National Family Health Survey-5, around one in six men in Karnataka consumes alcohol, with higher prevalence in rural areas. Data from the Survey on Household Consumption Expenditure shows rural households spending more on intoxicants than on essential food items such as pulses and fruits, as well as on healthcare.
The proposed amendment highlights a broader policy dilemma. While the brewing industry contributes significantly to employment and state revenue, critics argue that removing a transparency measure may undermine public health objectives.
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