Malkangiri: It is alleged that ‘gupchup’ sellers in this town are adding citric acid to the sour water served to their customers to make it tastier and prevent it from becoming stale.
Meanwhile, citizens are in panic fearing the spread of liver and kidney diseases after some youths managed to seize a few packets of citric acid Friday from some road side ‘gupchup’ sellers.
According to reports, the mouth-watering delicacy is one of the most sought after items in all fairs and religious gatherings and very popular among people across all age groups. However, people were oblivion of the fact that the sellers often add citric acid to the ‘gupchup’ water to make it tasty and use the sour water for several days.
Some people were of the opinion that the sour water with the addition of the acid can lead to critical kidney and liver diseases.
The matter came to light after a group of youth wanted to know from a ‘gupchup’ seller about the recipe of making the sour water. The seller admitted that he regularly adds citric acid of a certain brand to increase the taste of the item.
The health department should take immediate step to check the quality of the foods served to the customers at the road side, demanded a large section of customers.
Reports said, more than 30 such ‘gupchup’ sellers put up their ‘thelas’ at various intersections of town and the health department never bothers to check the quality of stuff sold by them.
