WHAT IS LIQUID NITROGEN?

Liquid nitrogen has an extraordinary low boiling point (-196 degrees Celsius, or -321 degrees Fahrenheit). It is used as coolant for superconductors, vacuum pumps and computers, or by surgeons to remove warts and precancerous cells. It is so cold that it causes frostbite or cryogenic burns when it comes in contact with any living tissue. In the food industry, it is used for frosting and slushing cocktails and garnishes, or to create fog.

Liquid nitrogen must evaporate before any food or drink containing it is consumed. Consuming even a small amount can have catastrophic consequences. body, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). So, its use in cocktails is not legal, unless approved by the regulatory body.

“The Food Safety and Standards Act permits the use of liquod nitrogen only for freezing. It plays the role of a process additive. It evaporates by the time the food or drink reaches the consumer. So it is safe. But that’s not the case with cocktails as they are served immediately. The use of liquid nitrogen in cocktails comes under novel process which requires approval from the authority. Sadly, this is not happening. It is being used in cocktails and even ice-creams that are sold to children in malls. No one bothers about approvals because there is no awareness. I hope the authority implements control after this incident,” say Dr Saurabh Arora, founder, foodsafetyhelpline.com.