In a bizarre turn of events, 5 people vomit blood and complained of a burning sensation in their mouth after they were served dry ice instead of mouth freshener at Laforestta café at Gurugram’s sector 90 on 2nd March.
A video of this incidence has also spread on the internet where we can see the group screaming and crying in agony, with one of them vomiting on the restaurant floor. It was only after a doctor interfered that they knew that it was dry ice that they consumed instead if mouth freshener.
Ankit Kumar, who was at Laforestta Cafe in Gurugram’s Sector 90 with his wife and friends, in the police complaint said, “I showed the packet of mouth freshener to a doctor, who said it was dry ice. According to the doctor, it is an acid which can lead to death.”
Following this a case was filed against the owner of the café. “A case has been filed against the staff and the restaurant owner. The manager of the restaurant has been arrested. Further investigation is going on,” Manesar police officer Surender Sheoran told ANI.
What is dry ice?
Dry ice is formed by cooling and condensing carbon dioxide gas and serves various purposes across industries such as food, medical, beverage and research. It is also widely used in shipping products in the food and pharmaceutical industry as it has a surface temperature of -78 degrees Celsius and helps keep products frozen during transit and also keeps it free from moisture.
Dry ice can also be dangerous if not used correctly because of its extremely low temperature. If handled inappropriately, it can also cause cold burn and frostbite. Dry ice hazards can also lead to asphyxiation, i.e. the state of being deprived of oxygen. Storing large amounts of dry ice in a small or poorly ventilated room can lead to CO2 gas buildup. In some cases, incorrect handling of dry ice can also lead to eye irritation.
Wearing suitable personal protective gear while working with dry ice can reduce the potential for any adverse reactions. Additionally, appropriate storing and continuous monitoring of CO2 levels is imperative in all areas where dry ice is present.
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