Liquid Nitrogen in Food: A Growing Concern After Incidents in India

 In a recent incident in Bengaluru, a 12-year-old girl developed a perforated stomach after consuming a betel leaf (paan) infused with liquid nitrogen at a wedding reception. This alarming event highlights the potential dangers of using liquid nitrogen in food preparation.

Hospitalization and Diagnosis

Following the incident, the girl was admitted to the hospital where doctors diagnosed her with perforation peritonitis—a condition characterized by a hole in the stomach. The perforation, measuring 4x5 cm, required surgical removal through a sleeve gastrectomy.

The child spent two days in intensive care and was discharged after six days. Medical experts are now warning about similar cases emerging from different parts of India, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures. They pointed out the significant risks associated with the experimental use of liquid nitrogen in food.

Similar Incidents and Government Response

In another case, a video of a boy from Tamil Nadu went viral after he suffered severe pain from eating a 'smoking biscuit'—a treat infused with liquid nitrogen. This incident prompted the state government’s Food Safety Department (FSD) to ban the use of liquid nitrogen in food items. The FSD declared such foods "dangerous" and instructed food safety officers to take enforcement action against any food business operator using liquid nitrogen in consumables like biscuits, ice cream, and wafers.

Regulatory Actions and Health Risks

Despite the ban in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka has yet to impose similar restrictions. According to a report by The New Indian Express, a senior official from the state health department mentioned that food safety officers have been directed to act against such abuses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. However, detailed guidelines on the use of liquid nitrogen have not been issued yet.

Experts warn that improper use or misuse of liquid nitrogen in food can cause severe injuries. It can burn tissues upon contact, resembling frostbite burns, which can be extremely painful and damaging.

Past Incidents

The dangers of liquid nitrogen are not new. In 2017, a businessman in Gurugram had to have a part of his stomach removed after consuming a cocktail laced with liquid nitrogen. He experienced unbearable pain and swelling in his stomach shortly after drinking the cocktail. A CT scan revealed a 10 cm perforation in his lower stomach.

Conclusion

These incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations and awareness about the use of liquid nitrogen in food. While it can create dramatic culinary effects, the risks associated with its consumption can be severe and life-threatening. Authorities and consumers alike must prioritize safety to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.