Impurities found in popular Jawan rum; sale of 11.5 lakh litres of liquor suspended

KOCHI: The sale of 11.5 lakh litres of popular 'Jawan' rum produced in a state government institution has been frozen after impurities were found in the liquor. However, a good portion of liquor has already been consumed by the drunkards. The Excise Department took action on the complaint of a customer who noticed impurities in the liquor bought from the Beverages outlet in Vaniyakkad, North Paravur. Jawan is produced at Travancore Sugars and Chemicals Factory in Thiruvalla.

Impurities were found in batches of Jawan Triple X Rum 297, 304, 308, 309, 315, 316, 319 and 324 and in batches of Jawan Triple X Rum 307, 322, 267, 328, 312, 292, 200, 164 and 293 at the Varapuzha outlet. The inspection at the Vaniyakkad outlet was carried out under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Excise, Ernakulam. Beverages employees said that although these types of impurities are seen in beer, this was the first time that such impurities appeared in Jawan.

Impurities are believed to have entered the bottle as a consequence of a manufacturing fault. Bottles were replaced at the outlets where consumers complained of scum in the liquor bottles. A report has been handed over to the Excise Commissioner. Directions have been given to inspect Jawan rum at all outlets. The sample will be tested in the lab. Based on the report, the authorities will decide whether to sell the stock or destroy it.

7500 cases in one batch
A batch will have 7500 cases. There will be nine litres of liquor per case -- 12 750 ml bottles and nine 1 litre bottles. Jawan rum is the best seller during the Onam season.