Indonesia has issued a warning for people against consuming liquid nitrogen. After consuming a street food that is the subject of a recent viral video called “dragon’s breath,” more than 20 children were harmed, according to reports.
The snack, also known as “dragon’s breath” became a popular trend on TikTok in which children recorded themselves eating it with smoke from the liquid nitrogen coming out of their mouths.
The snack is locally known as “chiki ngebul” and is named after a well-known Indonesian brand of packaged snacks.
The ministry warned parents, teachers, and regional health authorities to be cautious after the incidence broke out. The candies are immersed in liquid nitrogen, according to reports, to provide a vapor effect when consumed.
On the video platform TikTok, numerous young people have posted recordings of the “dragon’s breath” in which they can be seen blowing smoke out of their ears, noses, and mouths.
After consuming the vibrant sweets, the children reportedly experienced food poisoning, stomach pains and skin burns, according to Indonesia’s Health Ministry.
“Around 25 children fell ill after consuming the candies. Two of them were hospitalised.No deaths have been reported”, the ministry’s director general Maxi Rein Rondonuwu said.
While using liquid nitrogen to prepare food is not against the law, improper use could be dangerous.
”Liquid nitrogen is not only dangerous when consumed, but it can also cause severe breathing difficulties from nitrogen fumes that are inhaled over a long time,” Maxi said Rein.
According to the ministry, the first case was reported in July 2022, when a child from a village in the Ponorogo Regency in East Java suffered cold burns on his skin resulting from eating a snack.
More of these incidents occurred in November and December 2022, one where a 4-year-old boy who was admitted to a Jakarta hospital with excruciating stomach pain.
“Schools must educate children in the community about the dangers of liquid nitrogen in food to prevent more cases of severe food poisoning,” Maxi Rein added.
Author-Roberta Appiah
