Indonesian health authorities are sounding the alarm. In a lengthy article devoted to this dangerous new phenomenon, The Guardian reports that the government of the Asian archipelago warns against the consumption of what is locally called “ciki ngebul”, after more than 20 children were hospitalized after ingesting it.
serious injuries
Extremely popular in Indonesia, “ciki ngebul,” also nicknamed “dragon’s breath,” are rainbow-colored confections available from street vendors. They are soaked in liquid nitrogen to give them that smoky look that is causing a stir on social media.
The only problem: Before being eaten, the nitrogen in these special treats must evaporate. A waiting time not respected by the youngest to be able to make more “spectacular” videos.
And the consequences are extremely serious, as Dr. Dicky Budiman, an Indonesian doctor and global health security researcher at Griffith University, points out in this regard. guardian. According to him, if consumed as is, this liquid gas can cause skin burns, intestinal perforations, serious respiratory difficulties and even death in the most serious cases.
call surveillance
In Indonesia, this delicacy has been around for many years. But its consumption exploded with the appearance on the TikTok social network of dozens of videos that showed young users consuming, in the wrong way, the “dragon’s breath”. Its sale has gradually become more popular in the country.
“Today, its price is falling. Not only is it easier to access, but the number of new companies using this liquid nitrogen is also increasing,” says Dicky Budiman.
In response, local authorities have asked the country’s health agencies to be very vigilant, ordering them to closely monitor restaurants and vendors that use liquid nitrogen. In addition, the government advised against buying “ciki ngebul” from street vendors.
Source: BFM TV
