The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has alerted consumers and retailers of the potential for serious injury from eating, drinking, or handling food products prepared by adding liquid nitrogen. Popular products are often marketed under the names “Dragon’s Breath,” “Heaven’s Breath,” “nitro puff” and other similar names.
The FDA said serious injury, including internal organ damage, can result from eating foods such as ice cream, cereal or cocktails prepared by adding liquid nitrogen at the point of sale, immediately before consumption.
“The FDA has become aware of severe — and in some cases, life-threatening — injuries, such as damage to skin and internal organs caused by liquid nitrogen still present in the food or drink,” the FDA said in issuing its safety alert. “Injuries have occurred from handling or eating products prepared by adding liquid nitrogen immediately before consumption, even after the liquid nitrogen has fully evaporated due to the extremely low temperature of the food.”
The FDA also said inhaling the vapor “released by a food or drink prepared by adding liquid nitrogen immediately before consumption may also cause breathing difficulty, especially among individuals with asthma.”
Foods and drinks prepared by adding liquid nitrogen has recently been seen in malls, food courts, kiosks, state or local fairs, and other food retail locations. The most recent trend that has taken hold in parts of the U.S. is Dragon’s Breath, where cereal or cheese puffs are covered in liquid nitrogen and “emit a misty or smoke-like vapor.” Shortly after eating the treats, people blow smoke out of their noses and mouths to look like a dragon.
Injuries have been severe — and in some cases, life-threatening. The FDA became aware of damage to skin and internal organs caused by liquid nitrogen still present in the food or drink. There has also been a report of difficulty breathing after inhaling the vapor released by liquid nitrogen.
Anyone who has experienced an injury because of handling or eating products prepared with liquid nitrogen should consult their healthcare professional.
By: Maytinee Kramer
