Extra Neutral Alcohol sample testing being modernized: Kolly

Minister for Mines, Excise Kollu Ravindra Alcohol Prohibition, Kollu Ravindra said that the government would conduct new tests according to different standards with the aim of providing quality liquor to the consumers.
In a statement here on Wednesday, he said that the Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) testing procedure has been completely modernized. The Regional Excise Laboratories used to conduct Extra Neutral Alcohol samples as per six basic standards namely ethyl alcohol, acidity, aldehydes, methanol and water combination.
“On the other hand, in relation to whiskey, brandy, vodka, gin and rum produced in the form of Indian made foreign liquor, only the percentage of alcohol (strength) is calculated in the mixed samples before bottling. While only one parameter was being tested till now, radical changes have been brought in these procedures as per the orders of the government. They are taking steps to adopt modern technology,” the Minister revealed.
Minister Kollu Ravindra explained that gas chromatography has been made available to test the Extra Neutral Alcohol and blend (the sample prepared before bottling) and it is recognized as a ‘technically superior approach’.
Before bottling all types of liquor are tested by Regional Probationary and Excise Laboratories in Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Chittoor, Kurnool ns Kakinada to ensure compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines and norms for various types of alcohol and liquor, Kollu Ravindra observed.
The Minister clarified that 13 parameters were set ready for testing extra neutral alcohol (ENA) following modernized tests. As many as nine parameters are determined to test the blend (whisky, brandy, vodka gin). As a result of implementation of new standards, situations like chemical reactions would be prevented, adding that this procedure will benefit the health care of alcohol users.
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