Kulukki sarbath poses health hazards

ALAPPUZHA: Petty shops and carts selling ‘Kulukki sarbath’ (shaking lemonade) have come up all over the district in the hot season throwing hygiene to the winds.  The drink, prepared with crushed ice, sarbath and lemon, has often resulted in diarrhoea among the consumers because there is no check on the quality of the ingredients, especially crushed ice.  A few years ago, the medical wing here had opened a 24-hour control room and the DMO had urged the district administration to ban this drink in the wake of the increasing  diarrhoea cases. 

However, this year, the authorities have not initiated any preventive action.  A district official with the food safety department said that no special squad had been set up to check the wayside  kiosks.  They may be formed after this month, he   said.     “We are unaware of the hygienic aspects of the ice pieces being used to prepare the drink. We opt for it because it is tasty and  affordable,” says Binoy, a student.  ‘Kulukki’ now comes in an array of flavours - mint, pineapple, strawberry and even masala. The cost is Rs 10 for ordinary and Rs 20 for special.

Lyju Daniel, a local,  said the sale of such drinks, which can cause health hazards, should be curbed. “According to the Kerala Municipal Act, these mobile shops have to get  a licence from the corporation/municipality. The illegal kiosks which use ice made of contaminated water should be closed,”  he said.  Vijesh, who runs a kiosk on Alappuzha-Changa-nassery road, says, “We have no intention to serve unhygienic drinks. The authorities have to take action against those who prepare contaminated ices pieces,” he said.