Liquid Nitrogen Used In Food And Drinks Gets Banned In Haryana

Last April a businessman from Delhi tried a new cocktail at a bar in Chandigarh with a smoky effect given with the use of liquid nitrogen. He faced discomfort but ignored it and ordered another drink. After a few minutes he was in terrible pain and had a swollen stomach. He was then rushed to the hospital and the doctors had to remove what was left of his stomach.

Post this incident coming to light, Haryana has now banned the use of liquid nitrogen in food as well as drinks. The order has been issued under Section 34 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, (Central Act 34 of 2006). Shedding light on the decision, the Food Safety Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration Department, Saket Kumar told NDTV, “Due to its low temperature, liquid nitrogen could be extremely damaging to body tissue, causing frostbite and cryogenic burning on contact. Moreover, if ingested, it could lead to severe internal damage, destroying tissues in the mouth and intestinal tract.”

He also added that due to this food and drinks mixed or flushed with liquid nitrogen can be harmful for humans. Kumar also said that as the gas evaporates, it releases a large amount of gas which may be enough to burst the stomach.