In a shocking turn of events, a 12-year-old girl from Bengaluru found herself in a hospital bed after consuming a “smoking pan” laced with liquid nitrogen. This seemingly harmless indulgence at a wedding took a dark turn, leading to severe health complications that no one could have anticipated.
The young girl was attending a wedding where she encountered the smoking pan—a novelty food item that uses liquid nitrogen to create a dramatic, smoky effect. Intrigued, she decided to try it. However, shortly after consuming the pan, she experienced excruciating abdominal pain and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Upon medical examination, doctors diagnosed her with perforation peritonitis, a life-threatening condition where a hole in the stomach leads to the leakage of its contents into the abdominal cavity. The hole in her stomach measured a significant 4 by 5 centimeters, necessitating immediate surgical intervention to rectify the damage.
This incident is not isolated. Similar cases have been reported across India, highlighting the potential dangers of using liquid nitrogen in food. In a previous incident in Tamil Nadu, a child consuming a smoking biscuit faced near-fatal consequences. The common thread in these cases is the experimental use of liquid nitrogen, which, if not handled properly, can cause severe health issues.
The Indian government has been proactive in addressing such risks. According to the Food Safety Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2006, it is mandated that any food business operator using liquid nitrogen must ensure that it completely evaporates before the food is consumed. This regulation aims to prevent the ingestion of liquid nitrogen, which can cause internal injuries and other severe health complications.
Medical experts have long warned about the dangers of liquid nitrogen in food. Dr. Ravi Kumar, a gastroenterologist, remarked, “Liquid nitrogen, when ingested, can cause severe damage to the internal organs, including the stomach and esophagus. The extreme cold temperature can lead to the formation of perforations, making it a hazardous substance if not used correctly.”
