Food prepared with liquid nitrogen is a trendy, new treat, but the FDA has warned that it is dangerous.
That news reached more than 150,000 of you on our Facebook page.
But is it really dangerous? Our Verify team wanted to see the data.
First, we reached out to the FDA since they are the ones that issued the alert. They declined to do an interview, but did send us more information:
Applying liquid nitrogen immediately prior to consumption increases the risk of accidental ingestion or direct contact with liquid nitrogen because it does not provide enough time for the liquid nitrogen to fully evaporate.
The FDA also told us they are aware of an increase in injuries that can be serious and even life-threatening. Our Verify team to know how many?
After two days of trying, the FDA has not responded with those numbers. We even reached out to local hospitals to see if they have seen injuries from liquid nitrogen-treated food. The Jefferson County Health Department, Baptist Health and Norton Healthcare all said no.
But there is the potential for injury if it is eaten right away.
Dr. Donald Payne with Baptist Health said:
If the liquid is ingested or put on skin before turning to gas vapor it can cause serious damage to skin, esophagus and stomach related to 'flash freezing'.
Dr. George Bosse with the Kentucky Poison Control Center of Norton Children's Hospital said:
It can cause damage to the tissue in the mouth farther down. It's very much like a burn that is very hot. Someone could have pain in the mouth, throat, farther down the esophagus. They could have difficulty swallowing, drooling, conceivably even bleeding if they injure the tissue enough.
So, we are able to verify YES, the potential of injury from eating liquid nitrogen-treated food is real, as the FDA insists.
VERIFY: Sources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dr. George Bosse, Kentucky Poison Control Center
Dr. Donald Payne, Baptist Health
Jefferson County Health Department
VERIFY: Resources