OLEAN — Chances are you’ve never heard of “dragon’s breath.”
Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin Watkins alerted members of the Board of Health to the trendy practice of adding liquid nitrogen to food — usually treats like puffed cereal, candy or desserts — blowing excess nitrogen off the ultra cold item and then popping it in your mouth.
“It causes a fog to come out of their nose,” Watkins said.
It comes with a public health risk, Watkins said as he showed a video where a server brought a container of liquid nitrogen to a customer’s table and poured it over bright-colored cereal puffs.
“We believe there is a public health risk,” Watkins said after recent conference calls with other county health officials from across the state. There is a threat that excess liquid nitrogen on the food can cause burns.
There have also been reports of workplace injuries and deaths from frostbite to asphyxiation, Watkins said. The severe cold temperatures can damage the esophagus or perforate the stomach or intestine. If contaminated, it could cause a flu-like illness, he said.
“If we find a public health danger, we want to deny these permits,” Watkins said, adding some counties have already denied permits for the liquid nitrogen process.
While Watkins said his department has not received any permit requests to make dragon’s breath treats — yet — he hypothesized some could come from summer weekend festivals or the county fair.
Dr. Zahid Chohan, a Board of Health member, recommended denying any permit if a request was made in the area.
“Any child could come and buy it,” County Legislature Majority Leader Donna Vickman said. “I think we certainly need to stop it before it gets started in the county.”
Watkins posed the possibility of a lawsuit if the Health Department merely denied the permits. The county might require strict requirements to obtain a permit.
“If you don’t want any permits, we are prepared” to back you, said board member Sondra Fox. “Just across the board no.”
County Attorney Eric Kirkel cautioned that some regulations could could end up banning frozen crab cakes and Omaha Steaks.
There are also other culinary uses for liquid nitrogen including ice creams and some cheeses, Watkins said. It is serving it in its raw form that is most concerning to him.
Board members authorized Watkins and Firkel to continue researching the issue and to deny a permit if it is for entertainment value.
(Contact reporter Rick Miller at rmiller@oleantimesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @RMillerOTH)
