The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took an unusual step on October 31 by issuing an interpretation of the Food Code regarding the use of liquid nitrogen and dry ice in preparation of food in retail and food service establishments. Although the FDA acknowledged the Food Code does not prohibit use of liquid nitrogen or dry ice in food preparation, the FDA was clear that food establishments using these substances must take care to prevent injuries associated with accidental ingestion or skin contact.

FDA's interpretation no doubt reflects recent reports of injuries caused by customers of ice cream parlors and other establishments that use dry ice in the preparation of their products. These reports prompted the FDA to issue a safety alert in August 2018, warning the public of potential dangers of eating food prepared with dry ice or liquid nitrogen. The FDA warned of the "potential for serious injury from eating, drinking, or handling food products prepared by adding liquid nitrogen at the point of sale, immediately before consumption." You can check out the FDA's warning here.

The FDA stated its concerns clearly:

"The FDA has become aware of severe -- and in some cases, life-threatening -- injuries, such as damage to skin and internal organs caused by liquid nitrogen still present in the food or drink. There has also been a report of difficulty breathing after inhaling the vapor released by liquid nitrogen when added immediately before consumption. Injuries have occurred from handling or eating products prepared by adding liquid nitrogen immediately before consumption, even after the liquid nitrogen has fully evaporated due to the extremely low temperature of the food."

The FDA specifically referenced products marketed as: "Dragon's Breath," "Heaven's Breath," "nitro puff" and other similar names, which are often sold in malls, food courts, kiosks, state fairs and other retail locations. "These products may include liquid nitrogen-infused colorful cereal or cheese puffs that emit a misty or smoke-like vapor. Similarly, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks prepared with liquid nitrogen emit a fog." The FDA noted that it was not concerned with foods treated with liquid nitrogen before sale and before consumption as long as the liquid nitrogen completely evaporates before serving the customer and the product's temperature is not "extremely low."

Though the FDA's stance on these products was clear in its warning, the agency's additional step of issuing a Food Code interpretation further underscores the need for companies selling these products to implement procedures to prevent injuries.

The FDA's interpretation asks retailers using these products to add the following procedures and training:

  • Direct food employees to not directly touch or consume liquid nitrogen or dry ice, avoid the addition of liquid nitrogen or dry ice to foods and beverages immediately prior to service, and ensure complete evaporation or sublimation of the materials prior to service and/or consumption.

  • Post a statement or instructions that touching or consumption of liquid nitrogen or dry ice may result in adverse health conditions, physical abnormalities, and possibly death. Liquid nitrogen can cause rapid freezing on contact with living tissue.

  • Direct employees to avoid prolonged exposure to liquid nitrogen and dry ice in enclosed or confined spaces, such as walk-in refrigerators or storage rooms. Exposure in enclosed or confined spaces can cause suffocation.

  • Maintain and keep product specification sheets and material safety data sheets with equipment used to store or dispense dry ice and/or liquid nitrogen.

  • Conspicuously post warning notices to food employees in areas where liquid nitrogen or dry ice are normally stored and where they are used in the preparation or service of foods or beverages.

  • Conspicuously post notices to consumers in areas where liquid nitrogen or dry ice are used in the preparation or service of foods or beverages.

What is the takeaway for retailers and restaurants from the FDA's actions?

First, implement these procedures if possible. Though the FDA's interpretation is not binding, and the Food Code itself is not binding unless adopted by a state or local entity, it still makes good business sense to heed the FDA's warning and advice and implement these safety measures. Also, the FDA's interpretation could potentially be used to establish a standard of care in lawsuits for injuries sustained as a result of contact with liquid nitrogen or dry ice.

Second, check with your state or local regulatory agency to find out their stance on use of liquid nitrogen and dry ice and implement any necessary measures.

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