In fact, quite a few of the worst cases show that ice smoke can trigger damage to the internal organs of the bodyJakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Health Ministry cautioned that the use of liquid nitrogen in ready-to-eat food products without compliance to procedures could be causal to poisoning in consumers.
"Liquid nitrogen can cause frostbit and burns, especially in some soft tissues surfaces, such as the skin," the ministry's Director General of Disease Prevention and Control, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, stated in Jakarta, Wednesday.
He noted that excessive inhalation of smoke produced by food or beverages processed using liquid nitrogen can trigger severe breathing difficulties.
In addition, consuming liquefied nitrogen can cause burning sensation in the throat, as the temperature is extremely cold and it comes in direct contact with the body's organs, Rondonuwu pointed out.
"In fact, quite a few of the worst cases show that ice smoke can trigger damage to the internal organs of the body," he remarked.
The Health Ministry has published information on the use of liquid nitrogen in ready-to-eat food products that can cause problems for public health, such as ice smoke or ice snack that is popular among children.
Apart from imparting a cold sensation, the consumption of these products could result in smoke being emitted from the mouth, as it is derived from liquid nitrogen, which is nitrogen in liquid form at very low temperatures.
"This liquid is clear, colorless, and odorless, so it does not change the taste when used in food," he stated.
Several incidents of food poisoning due to this product were reported from various areas, including in July 2022, when a child after consuming ice smoke in Ngasinan Village, Ponorogo District, suffered from a burn wound.
On November 19, 2022, the health center in Leuwisari, Tasikmalaya District, reported cases regarding food poisoning in 23 victims. One case was referred to the hospital.
On December 21, 2022, the Emergency Room of the Jakarta Hajj Hospital reported a four-year-old boy patient, who came with complaints of severe stomach pain after consuming an ice smoke snack.
"The Ministry of Health has distributed circulars to all relevant agencies as a preventive effort and to increase awareness of the use of liquid nitrogen in ready-to-eat food to prevent food poisoning," Rondonuwu stated.
The circular letter instructs provincial, district/city health offices, health centers, and port health offices to conduct guidance and supervision of ready-to-eat food products that use liquid nitrogen available in the local area.
Local governments are also urged to disseminate information to businesses and related parties regarding the dangers of using liquid nitrogen in ready-to-eat food, he added.
"We also urge the local government to provide education to school administrators, children, and the public about the dangers of liquid nitrogen in ready-to-eat food," he remarked.
Restaurants that use liquid nitrogen in ready-to-eat food products must be under the guidance and supervision of the local Health Service and related parties and give information to consumers to consume it safely.
Food Management Places (TPP) other than restaurants, such as mobile hawker food outlets, are not recommended to use liquid nitrogen in ready-to-eat food products.
If food poisoning occurs due to the addition of liquid nitrogen, an investigation should be conducted by the Fast Action Team (TGC) in accordance with Minister of Health Regulation Number 2 of 2013 concerning Food poisoning extraordinary events (KLB).
The hospital must coordinate with the local health service and provide a report if there is an outbreak of food poisoning caused by liquid nitrogen.
The TGC will report incidents of food poisoning caused by liquid nitrogen to the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) on the EBS menu via the link https://skdr.surveilans.org or the WhatsApp (WA) number of the Public Health Emergency Operation Center ( PHEOC): 0877-7759-1097 or email: poskoklb@yahoo.com.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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