Gurgaon pubs to feel liquid nitrogen heat
The health department has set up a team to conduct inspections at several bars and pubs in the city from Monday, to curb mixing of liquid nitrogen in drinks and food.
The move comes close on the heels of the Haryana government banning use of liquid nitrogen in any drink or food in the state, on Thursday.
The ban has been enforced under Section 34 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Section 34 of Central Act , 2006. The state moved to bring this ban into effect following a news report about a 30-year-old man, who underwent a surgery after consuming a drink laced with liquid nitrogen at a Gurgaon pub on April 13.
Doctors reportedly detected a hole in his stomach, which was caused by the drink. The man complained of severe abdominal pain and was rushed to a private hospital, where the doctors surgically removed the hole that they found in his stomach.
“We have already issued notices to all bars, pubs and restaurants informing them about the ban. Our team will be conducting random checks at bars and pubs across the city,” BK Rajora, chief medical officer, civil hospital, Gurgaon, said.
The joint team will comprise officials of the health department and the Department of Food and Drug Administration, Haryana and will conduct surprise checks at watering holes across the city.
Notices will be issued to pubs serving drinks or eatables laced with liquid nitrogen.
Health experts said adding liquid nitrogen to drinks and food items could be dangerous, as it has a boiling point of -195.8°C. “Nitrogen is deemed unfit for human consumption and it is not advisable to have it in any form. It is a prevalent practice to mix food items and drinks with liquid nitrogen, as it produces smoke that makes these items look tempting to a customer. However, we wish to put an end to this as it poses a health risk,” Rajora said.