“Dry Ice Mishap at Gurugram Restaurant: Five Patrons Report Vomiting Blood After Mouth Freshener Mix-up”

Dry Ice Incident in Gurugram Restaurant Leads to Vomiting Blood

 

Dry ice, mistakenly served to diners at a Gurugram restaurant on March 2, 2024, causing them to vomit blood, is a hazardous substance as per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Understanding Dry Ice: A Potent Cooling Agent

Ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, is widely utilized as a cooling agent in various food products like ice cream and frozen desserts. However, it poses significant risks if mishandled.

Risks of Dry Ice Exposure

According to FSSAI, ice can sublimate into large quantities of carbon dioxide gas, leading to potential breathlessness (hypercapnia) if inhaled in a confined space. The agency emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation when handling dry ice to mitigate health risks.

Safety Guidelines for Handling Dry Ice

FSSAI urges food operators and citizens to handle ice with caution, ensuring it is used in well-ventilated environments and never stored in closed spaces. Similarly, the US FDA emphasizes the importance of safe practices when using dry ice in food preparation and service.

Mitigating Risks in Food Service Establishments

The FDA recommends incorporating procedures and training for safe receipt, storage, and handling of dry ice in food establishments. Employees should be educated about the risks associated with dry ice and instructed to avoid direct contact or ingestion.

Precautionary Measures

Employees handling ice should wear gloves designed for cold temperatures and safety goggles to prevent skin and eye irritation. Additionally, workspaces should be well-ventilated to minimize the risk of carbon dioxide exposure.

Incident at Laforessta Cafe

In a viral video captured at Laforessta cafe in Gurugram, diners experienced adverse effects after consuming a mouth freshener mistakenly containing dry ice. Ankit Kumar, one of the patrons, promptly sought medical assistance, revealing the nature of the substance.

 

Conclusion

The incident at the Gurugram restaurant underscores the critical importance of proper handling and awareness regarding ice. By adhering to safety guidelines and implementing precautionary measures, food establishments can ensure the well-being of their patrons and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Stay informed, stay safe.

 

Additional Info:

 

What is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of approximately -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Unlike regular ice, it sublimates directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase, making it useful for a wide range of applications.

Safety Precautions When Handling Dry Ice

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial when handling ice as it sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated areas, leading to asphyxiation. Always ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces.

Protective Gear: When handling ice, wear appropriate protective gear such as insulated gloves and safety goggles to prevent skin and eye irritation due to extreme cold temperatures.

 Storage: Store ice in well-ventilated containers specifically designed for storage. Never store ice in airtight containers as pressure buildup can result in container rupture or explosion.

Handling: Handle ice with care using insulated gloves or tongs to avoid direct contact with bare skin, which can cause frostbite or burns due to extremely cold temperatures.

Applications of Dry Ice

Food Preservation:
Ice is widely used in the food industry for preserving perishable items during transportation and storage. Its low temperature inhibits bacterial growth and helps maintain product freshness.

 Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry:
In the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, ice is utilized for shipping temperature-sensitive medications, vaccines, and biological samples. Its stable temperature control ensures the integrity of delicate medical supplies during transit.

 

Special Effects:
Ice is a popular choice for creating theatrical fog effects in stage productions, concerts, and haunted houses. When dry ice pellets are placed in hot water, they sublimate rapidly, producing a dense fog effect without leaving behind any residue.

Cleaning and Degreasing:
In industrial applications, ice blasting is employed for cleaning and degreasing surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. The kinetic energy generated by the rapid sublimation of dry ice removes contaminants effectively.

Carbonation of Beverages:
ice’s is utilized in the beverage industry for carbonating drinks such as soda and sparkling water. When submerged in liquid, dry ice releases carbon dioxide bubbles, imparting a refreshing fizz to the beverage.

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