Ever thought that this element, which is gaining popularity as a culinary art and is tempting and luring, could be fatal? ‘Grass Seems Greener on the Side’-the more the liquid nitrogen looks like an art, the more harmful and life threatening it could be, if consumed wrongly. Recently, a 12-year- old girl, developed a hole in her stomach after consuming smoky paan, at a wedding.

What is Liquid Nitrogen?

This element has boiling point of -196C, used for a variety of purposes, such as a coolant for computers. In medicine to remove unwanted skin, warts and pre-cancerous cells and now becoming popular in restaurants, as a thing for presentation. Now you must be thinking that how you can use it for cooking. Professor Peter Barham, from the University of Bristol’s School of Physics, states, “liquid nitrogen is simply the harmless gas nitrogen, which cools at such a low temperature that it becomes a liquid”. However, he further adds that this gas can cause frostbite or cryogenic burns if it is not performed, properly.

The Damage It Has Caused

The recent report by FDI mentions that this element isn’t toxic, but its extremely low temperature. It can cause severe damage to skin and internal organs if mishandled or consumed. Inhaling the vapor released by this gas can cause severe breathing problems.

A recent case from India (yet again) talks about, a little boy, screaming in pain after consuming nitrogen biscuits at a fair. Another case from a few years ago, where a young businessman in Gurgaon had part of his stomach removed after he consumed a cocktail laced with liquid nitrogen. Upon diagnosing, it turned out to be a hole of about 10 cm in length, inside his stomach.

Has government taken any measures?

Partially yes and partially no. After observing so many cases of Liquid Nitrogen, the state Government of Tamil Nadu has imposed a ban on the usage of this element in food products including, ice-creams, paans, desserts, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Tamil Nadu state government has taken these potential steps to ensure the public safety. The government extended its rule stating that, if any manufacturer found using this in food products, will face fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and prison sentences of up to 7 years.

After this statement of the government, it gained a very positive reaction from the public, especially from the parents.

“I fully support the government’s decision on this ban, as it justifies and reassures me that they are taking steps to safeguard our health. As a parent, the safety of my child is my top priority,” said Rahul Sharma, a concerned parent.

While liquid nitrogen can create a mouth-watering impressive food presentation, but its effects on human health, outweigh its positive impacts. However, Liquid Nitrogen is a harmless element, if done under the surveillance of an expert with proper safety measures.

Can we actually lessen the harmful impacts of Liquid Nitrogen? Yes, maybe by completely banning the substance or by boycotting it. Or maybe government should impose strict laws on the usage of Liquid Nitrogen.

What is your take on this?