Hazardous Mix-Up: Dry Ice Served as Mouth Freshener Leaves Diners Hospitalized
In a startling incident at a Gurugram restaurant, a celebratory evening turned into a health crisis as five individuals fell ill after consuming what they believed to be mouth freshener. The unsuspecting victims experienced mouth burns, bleeding, and vomiting, leading to hospitalization for four of them. Investigations revealed that the purported mouth freshener was, in fact, dry ice – a potentially fatal substance. A waitress is now facing charges of criminal conspiracy and causing harm by poisoning, shedding light on the dangerous mix-up.
The ordeal began when a Greater Noida resident, along with his wife and friends, dined at a Sector 90 restaurant. A seemingly innocent gesture of offering mouth freshener took a dark turn as the group ingested dry ice granules. Disturbingly, the victims reported burns and health complications, with a doctor identifying dry ice as the culprit. Prompt action by the complainant resulted in filing a police complaint, leading to the initiation of an FIR under IPC sections 328 and 120-B at Kherki Daula police station.
Further investigation revealed that the victims, three couples celebrating a birthday, were served dry ice instead of mouth freshener by a waitress who now faces charges. The consequences were severe, with five individuals harmed, three of whom are still undergoing treatment at Aarvy Hospital in Gurugram.
The delayed response from the restaurant staff, coupled with the severity of the health issues, has raised concerns about safety protocols and staff training. One diner, who refrained from consuming the dangerous mix due to tending to a one-year-old, described the alarming scene of others experiencing a burning sensation, vomiting, and bleeding. Assistance from the restaurant staff was reportedly minimal until the police arrived 40 minutes later.
Inspector Manoj highlighted the accidental nature of the incident, noting that the waitress mistakenly picked up a pouch containing dry ice instead of mouth fresheners. Samples of the dry ice have been seized for forensic analysis to determine why it was present in the restaurant and how the mix-up occurred.
The restaurant manager admitted the mistake, attributing it to the dual use of dry ice for food preservation. Dry ice, composed of frozen carbon dioxide, is known for its unique sublimation process, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas. However, its extreme cold and potential hazards, especially when ingested, underscore the importance of proper handling.
Understanding dry ice's characteristics is crucial, as it poses risks such as releasing carbon dioxide gas and causing severe injuries if consumed. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures in the handling and serving of substances like dry ice to prevent such inadvertent, yet potentially life-threatening, mix-ups. As the investigation continues, questions surrounding restaurant safety practices and staff training come to the forefront, urging a reevaluation of protocols to ensure the well-being of diners.
