Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) chief Nadzim Johan said this was to protect public health.

“The local authorities must play their role in supervising what is sold to the people.

“They must check the traders thoroughly; the people’s lives could be at stake,” he said.

PPIM was responding to an NST Online report yesterday of a teenager whose hand was allegedly blistered by nitrogen-coated cookies in Alor Star, Kedah.

Mohd Aiman Mohd Ridwan had bought the cookies at a pasar malam on Friday night.

His family had reportedly experienced a mild pain in their throats after eating the “Dragon’s Breath” cookies, so named because the liquid nitrogen in which they are coated gives the effect of smoke coming from a dragon’s mouth.

Consumers Association of Kedah secretary Yusrizal Yusoff was quoted as saying he had received five complaints about the smoky confections and would bring the matter to the attention of the state health department for investigation.

Nadzim also advised parents to pay attention to what their children were eating.

“Everybody, from the authorities to the parents, should buck up and take responsibility. It is our health at stake,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) vice-president Yusof Abdul Rahman said the public should read the item description and be aware of the risks and side effects of the food they consumed.

“Do not be tempted by curiosity (to try something risky).”

He also advised Aiman and family to undergo a thorough medical check-up.

“This way, the government can step in and stop the food from being sold if it is (found to be) harmful to health.”

He said traders, when introducing new products, should consult the authorities to check if they were safe for consumption.