A Delhi resident was recently left with a hole in his stomach after he consumed a drink made with liquid nitrogen in a Gurgaon pub. The incident sparked a debate in the F&B industry on the indiscriminate use of liquid nitrogen to make desserts and drinks look interesting. Now, in order to prevent any further incidents, the Food and Drug Administration, Haryana, has prohibited its use in any drink or food in Haryana, and an order was issued by Saket Kumar, commissioner (Food Safety), FDA, Haryana.
Narinder Ahooja, State Drug Controller (SDC), Haryana, said, “After thorough research, we found out that liquid nitrogen can have deadly consequences. The prohibitory orders have already been issued under Section 34 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Liquid nitrogen can also cause frost bite, leading to instant death. We consulted several experts on this issue, a study was conducted, and several places were raided and samples were collected.” Senior Drugs Control Officer (SDCO), Gurugram, Padam Singh Rathee also confirmed the move. According to sources, the ban was anticipated by the industry.
Instead of banning, the use of liquid nitrogen should be regulated: Restaurateur
Riyaaz Amlani, president, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), says, “We agree that the health and safety of our guests is of paramount importance, but banning is not the solution. Its use can be regulated and there should be a rule that liquid nitrogen should not come in direct contact with diners.”
Zorawar Kalra, who owns restaurants in Delhi and Gurgaon, adds, “Banning liquid nitrogen is a strong move, when its use could have been controlled. I understand that government is trying to be safe, but it is like banning cooking if someone got burnt. Instead, emphasis should be on staff training and awareness among guests, and it should be ensured that the use of liquid nitrogen is not just a marketing gimmick by restaurants.”
Fascination with the ‘dhuandhaar experience’ can be hazardous: Mixologists
Mixologist Anthony Phillip, who has worked as a consultant with many restaurants in the city, agrees that the use of liquid nitrogen just to add drama was becoming a fad, without any proper training or knowledge about it. “Neither the consumers knows how to consume it, nor the staff in most places knows how to serve it right. So, till the time that there is awareness and education, it makes sense to ban its use.”
