Recently, there was quite an uproar in Hyderabad, where an ice cream parlour named ‘Arico cafe’ was busted by the police. As per the news reports doing the rounds, the ice cream parlour was selling whiskey-laced ice cream to its customers, which including children as well. This has raised serious concerns over public safety, especially amongst the youth who remained unconvinced and unknowingly being handed out alcohol-laced desserts.
As per several news reports, the police raided the ice cream parlour owned by one Sharath Chandra Reddy based on a tip, where they were informed that 60 ml of whiskey was being mixed in every kilogram of ice cream that was sold at premium rates.
The raid on the establishment confiscated 23 cans of whiskey-infused ice cream that weighed 11.5 kilograms. It's strictly illegal to sell products containing such, especially when alcohol is not mentioned as a component.
There was no explicit warning or indication of alcohol being marketed to the public by the ice cream parlour. The implications are so dire that the authorities must question whether the operation had other, more sinister motives.
What’s surprising is that the ice cream parlour was marketing this ‘whiskey-laced ice cream’ on its social media, and thus it received a rather big audience. Many customers did not know that they were taking alcohol besides ice cream, and giving it to their children without suspicion.
After the raid, the Excise Department of Hyderabad seized the ‘whiskey-infused ice cream’ and arrested two people named Dayakar Reddy and Shobhan. Investigations are ongoing, and officials assured that strong action would be taken against those who indulged in such sales and distribution.
People are so shocked and are asking for even stricter regulations and more vigilance so that it does not happen again in the future. The authorities assure that all those involved with this dangerous racket will be dealt with strictly, and thorough investigations are going on to catch any accomplices too.
The accident brings into question the hidden dangers behind what may seem harmless products and highlights the need for regulation over the exercise of their use to protect consumers and in this case minors.