MAYVILLE — While no local cases of Dragon’s Breath-related injuries were reported, the Chautauqua County Board of Health recently discussed how the food fad may extend into more rural areas.

During its quarterly meeting, the health board discussed various health concerns, including that of the recently trending Dragon’s Breath, food stuff that can be eaten after being frozen by liquid nitrogen.

“I’m stunned,” said Tom Erlandson, board member, upon hearing about the potentially dangerous food fad.

While the product has been around for years and the process known to those caught up on riskier food trends, Dragon’s Breath, otherwise known as liquid nitrogen puffs since the frozen desert is usually based on cereal dipped in the nitrogen, is catching on so much, that the New York State Department of Health has noticed. County Health Director Christine Schuyler mentioned that the state department is diligently working on some sort of regulation for Dragon’s Breath although laws against the food may prove tricky to enforce.

Potential regulations could state that foods be kept above a certain temperature, and the board warned against regulations being too specific. Cereal puffs are the main ingredient to be placed in liquid nitrogen, but any regulations placed would want to prevent all foods from the liquid nitrogen process, not just the popular choice of sugary breakfast items.

The challenge of actually preventing people from making and consuming Dragon’s Breath lies in potential enforcement.

As one county board member noted, it proves difficult to legislate against the curiosity of those who have fallen into other food fads or challenges such as the cinnamon challenge, in which someone puts a spoonful of the spice down their throat in an instant, or the consumption of laundry detergent.

Dragon’s Breath is named as such because vapors from the liquid nitrogen come out of the mouth and nose of someone who eats it. If any assortment of snacks are prepared via liquid nitrogen, those who eat them run the risk of burning their mouths, throats and stomachs. Touching the frozen dessert can also lead to frostbite. The residue that can collect at the bottom of bowls or other dishes the dessert is served in should especially be avoided.

Schuyler mentioned that ice cream curated by liquid nitrogen is safer than most other food products, but should still be avoided for best safety practices. While no local cases of Dragon’s Breath-related harm were reported, the board kept it mind that its growing national prominence could extend into more rural areas. Cattaraugus County’s board of health has had the same discussion.

“A lot of times, these trends don’t make it to Chautauqua County,” board member Mark Stow said.