Health Notes: Warning on Dessert Novelty

Frozen Dessert Warning

Suffolk County is warning people about eating a potentially dangerous dessert known as “Dragon’s Breath.”

Dragon’s Breath is a food novelty made by freezing cereal puffs in liquid nitrogen. The frozen cereal is then served in a cup and eaten using a skewer or similar utensil. When the frozen cereal is chewed, the cold condenses moisture in the consumer’s exhaled breath and give the appearance of breathing smoke. 

“If an item infused with liquid nitrogen is prepared or consumed incorrectly, it could have harmful health consequences,” Tomarken said. ”Liquid nitrogen can cause damage to a person’s skin and internal organs and, if inhaled, it can cause asphyxiation (lack of oxygen).”

In a recent memo sent to local health officials the New York State Department of Health stated, “There is potential for injury associated with the use or service of liquid nitrogen, so we advise that precautions be taken when preparing or eating liquid nitrogen puffs. Instances of frostbite and tissue damage have been reported when residual liquid nitrogen is left in the serving cup. If fingers are used to remove the product from the cup, skin contact with liquid nitrogen can cause frostbite. Ingestion of liquid nitrogen can cause severe damage to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Preparing the puffs in a manner that removes residual liquid nitrogen prior to serving effectively reduces the potential for injury.”

The Department of Health Services’ Bureau of Public Health Protection issues permits to food service establishments. Food Service providers who intend to serve products using liquid nitrogen should call  the bureau at 631-852-5999 for guidance on handling and serving this product.

Robotic Surgery Expertise Recognized

Northwell Health has become the first health system to receive the Network of Excellence in Robotic Surgery designation from Surgical Review Corporation. The designation comes on the heels of SRC recognizing four of its hospitals for their robotic surgery expertise:  Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center in New Hyde Park, Huntington HospitalNorthern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, and Southside Hospital in Bay Shore.

Top Doctor Named

Dr. David Rivadeneira, colon and rectal surgeon. director of Surgical Services & Colorectal Surgery at Huntington Hospital/North Shore-LIJ Health System, was named to New York Magazine’s top doctors list.

Men’s Health Forum

Medical experts will discuss heart and lung health, colon and prostate screenings, and how diet and exercise can impact your health at a July 12 forum. The session is set for July 12, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Internal Medicine Waiting Room at NYU Langone Huntington Medical Group—Huntington Station. To register, call 631-425-2241.

Tonsil Surgery

Dr. Michael Grosso, chair of pediatrics and chief medical officer at Northwell Health’s Huntington Hospital, is quoted in a story about the potential risks of tonsil and adenoid removal.

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