Kozhikode: Fuljar soda or the full jar soda, the newly trending tangy beverage launched especially for this Ramadan season is now under the scrutiny of the food safety department.
Officials doubt the quality of the drink, which has created a storm among the food buffs. In the late hours of Monday near the Kozhikode South Beach, the food safety wing of city corporation seized products used to make the drink in an unhygienic condition.
The officials seized the products used in the store attached to a street food centre. Recently, a youngster had posted a photograph and video featuring the unhygienic Fuljar soda making. It was through this hint, the officials conducted a night raid to all these centres and roadside eateries.
Corporation health officer R.S. Gopakumar said vendors serving the Fuljar soda are flouting food safety norms putting the health of the people at stake.
"These days huge queues are seen around these fancy roadside outlets, and people close their eyes towards the hygiene," he said.
"The water they use was contaminated, and we could make it out in just the preliminary inspection. Notice has been issued to the vendor to stop the business, and the samples have been taken to check the quality of the drink."
At the same time, Nisar, an IT professional here, said the spicy and salty taste of the drink is all that attracts customers especially in this soaring summer where people are trying out all tasty beverages to quench the thirst.
The cost of the drink made of ginger paste, green chillies, mint leaves, basil seeds and salt, ranges from Rs 15 to Rs 60.
They serve the masalas in a shot glass immersed in a big glass of lime soda.
