"In principle, (the use of liquid nitrogen) must be according to standards. If it comes in close contact with the skin, it can cause blisters. If it is being consumed and swallowed, it can injure the stomach, especially if you have asthma," BPOM's deputy for supervision of processed food Rita Endang noted in Jakarta, Thursday.
On the sidelines of the Communication, Information, and Education (IEC) event, titled "Open House: Expo of the Life Cycle of Drug and Food Product Supervision System," Endang remarked that since January 6, 2023, the BPOM had been monitoring sellers of ready-to-eat food products that use liquid nitrogen in their products, such as smoke snack, for further assistance.
"Results of surveillance show that all liquid nitrogen products must require special attention because they are not up to standard. We carry out monitoring throughout Indonesia in malls, markets, car-free day, and night markets," Endang remarked.
She noted that the BPOM had also issued guidelines for mitigating the risk of liquid nitrogen use in processed food. One of the guidelines that must be followed by sellers, who add liquid nitrogen to their ready-to-eat food products, is that they must attend training. "They must have competence in using liquid nitrogen in food," she noted.
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In addition, the seller must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) since liquid nitrogen is dangerous for the body. "Hence, there are requirements that must be fulfilled by those merchants," she remarked.
Endang also reminded that merchants, who sell smoke snack, should provide a warning for consumers. "The food cannot be consumed in very cold condition. It must be ensured that the liquid nitrogen is gone. It can be detected if the smoke has disappeared. It cannot be consumed right away," she stated.
