Hoteliers set to ban liquid nitrogen in edibles

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The case of a 12 year old developing a hole in her stomach after consuming paan infused with liquid nitrogen has sent shockwaves across the city.

Taking cognizance of the same, the Bruhat Bangalore Hoteliers Association (BBHA) has reportedly banned the sale of nitrogen paans across hotels and stalls. The girl, who consumed it at a marriage ceremony, was sent for an emergency operation.

According to the doctors who operated on her, liquid nitrogen produces incredible force in an enclosed space that damages the skin.

In a letter to Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister of the state, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and PC Rao, president of the BBHA have requested for a ban on the sale and consumption of such dangerous elements in edible food.

“There will be a meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday, and it is urged to foster awareness on the danger," PC Rao said. It is possible that following the order, businesses continuing sale of liquid nitrogen may get licenses terminated.