FOMCA: Label food containing nitrogen

BY: NORHAYATI UMOR
SHAH ALAM, DEC 22: “Food containing liquid nitrogen must be labelled accordingly to prevent consumers from getting confused,” said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association Deputy President Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman.
He said there is no problem if food manufacturers and operators handle the products the correct way.
“The substance is not dangerous if manufacturers, operators and consumers handle the product correctly.
“There must be a label on the food packaging showing the appropriate way of using it, and to prevent consumers from getting confused,” he said when contacted.

Yusof said the label must indicate the correct way to handle a product containing liquid nitrogen.
“It would be better if the food seller can show the proper way to use it, so that it will not pose any threat to consumers,” he said.
The media had previously reported a case of injury to a teenager’s hand, purportedly after eating the ‘Dragon Breath’ biscuit which contains liquid nitrogen.
Director General of Health Malaysia, Datuk Noor Hisham Abdullah said that manufacturers and operators must ensure that the substance has fully evaporated before selling the food to avoid burns and frostbite.
On December 21, Penang Consumers Association (CAP) urged a ban on the use of the said substance in food, to protect consumers especially children.
Consumers can lodge their reports to the Health Ministry through the nearest District Health Offices (PKD) or State Health Department (JKN). They can also lodge their report on the Food Quality and Safety Division’s (BKKM) website at http://fsq.moh.gov.my or BKKM Facebook account.