The Food Safety and Standards Authority Of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory against the use of liquid nitrogen in food and drinks at the point of sale. It has specifically cautioned restaurants, bars, food-serving establishments/caterers in fairs, marriages, etc. The FSSAI states that it has come across several instances of the use of this element "to make the food items like ice creams, cocktails, meetha paan, bakery items like biscuits, desserts, etc.
more eye-pleasing or to add some theatre look at the time of serving." However, such usage is "unauthorised" and the consumption of items infused with liquid nitrogen has led to serious health issues/injuries, it points out. Also Read: Remove "100% Fruit Juice" Claims From Labels, Ads: Food Authority's Latest Directive "Liquid nitrogen which is illicitly being used directly at the point of serving/plating is not allowed as this is not the intended purpose/technological use of the additive and shall be considered as non-compliance by the food businesses doing so," the FSSAI said.
Furthermore, it clarified that the addition of liquid nitrogen at the point of sale, immediately before consumption, is not outlined in the Food Safety and Standards regulations. "It is intended to serve one or the other technological use..
. during food processing only", reads the advisory. Also Read: Food Authority Warns Against Artificial Ripening Of Fruits Using Calcium Carbide Liquid Nitrogen (INS 941) is described as a "colourless, odourless g.
