Well, it was fun while it lasted. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just sent a piece of your summer fun up in a cloud of smoke. The FDA issued a safety alert on Thursday warning consumers about potential dangers associated with eating food containing liquid nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen laced foods such as cereals, ice cream, and cheese puffs have become popular in recent years because they “emit a misty or smoke-like vapor,” according the the FDA alert. This vapor leaves the consumer with the ability to briefly blow smoke out their nose and mouth to look like a dragon. The foods, often called “Dragon’s Breath” or “Heaven’s Breath”, are commonly served at fairs and festivals, as well as mall kiosks and some ice cream shops, the FDA said.
The alert said serious injury, including internal organ damage, can result or eating such foods. Individuals with asthma could be especially at risk.
“The FDA has become aware of severe — and in some cases, life-threatening — injuring, such as damage to skin and internal organs caused by clique nitrogen still present in the food or drink,” the alert detailed. “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 extreme low temperature of the food.”
The FDA didn’t say how many injuries have been reported or provide details on life-threatening cases.
People who believe they may have suffered an injury from liquid nitrogen foods are urged to report the situation to the FDA.
Also see, Here’s what you should have in your emergency food stash.
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