Thiruvananthapuram: The excise department has kept the sale of 17 batches of Jawan rum on hold after the detection of impurities in it. 

An action was taken by the excise department after receiving a complaint from a customer who first noticed the presence of impurities in the rum bought from a beverage outlet in Vaniyakkad. After further inspection, the excise department discovered eight batches of rum to be of poor quality. Directions are given by the officials to inspect the rum in other outlets.

Impurities are usually found in alcohol that has expired. Faulty manufacturing or bottling can also be a reason. A sample is sent to the laboratory for testing.

Jawan rum is produced at Travancore Sugars and Chemicals Factory, Thiruvalla.