SLAYING DRAGON DESSERT
LI vs. lethal ‘treat’
The heat’s on vendors of deadly frozen desserts.
Suffolk County officials are cracking down on businesses that sell the liquid-nitrogen-covered cereal called Dragon’s Breath in an effort to end the dangerous trend, authorities told The Post on Wednesday.
The amped-up enforcement plan takes aim at the subzero treat (inset) — which can cause frostbite, skin-tissue damage and even suffocation — by directing Health Department staffers to conduct inspections of businesses and slap offenders with hefty fines.
“This action will prevent dangerous chemicals from winding up in the hands of children in Suffolk County. We will not tolerate any establishment that seeks to peddle this poison and profit off of these actions in violation of our health code,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
The Suffolk County Board of Health unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday morning declaring that Dragon’s Breath is “adulterated food . . . unfit for human consumption and presents an imminent health hazard.”
The frosty concoction is made by dipping sweet cereal puffs, such as Froot Loops, into liquid nitrogen. It causes those eating it to exhale smoke-like condensed moisture when its subzero bits are warmed in the mouth.
Those selling it will be fined up to $700 for the “Imminent Health Hazard,” according to county health officials, who are urging residents to report sellers.
If vendors refuse to remove the dessert, the county will take legal action, officials said.
In recent months, teens have posted dozens of YouTube and Instagram videos showing off their “smoke” breathing techniques.
But liquid nitrogen — with its extremely low temperature of between minus-196 and minus-320 degrees — can burn a person’s mouth and internal organs if it has not completely evaporated before consumption, county Health Comissioner Dr. James Tomarken has warned.
“This is a publichealth issue, and the public needs to be aware that this substance ... is potentially very dangerous,” he told The Post. “The consumer needs to be aware of the potential dangers, and we’re pretty sure that’s not the case for most consumers, and most consumers tend to be children and young adults.”
Tomarken added, “We hope the public takes this seriously and recognizes what children might be exposed to.”
In October, a 14-year-old Florida girl was hospitalized with a severe burn on her thumb after she touched Dragon’s Breath while it was being prepared.