Microwave use results in severe burns in children attempting to make TikTok-famous 'glass fruit'

A TikTok trend could pose a potential hazard to children.

The trendy food on social media is glass fruit, also known as Tanghulu, which is made by hardening sugar on different fruits to give it a crunchy topping.

According to Jasmine and Tea, who posted a tutorial in April, boiling a sugar and water mixture for about five minutes at 30-second intervals using a microwave is necessary to make Tanghulu.

In the video with almost 20 million views, the food-centric content producer cautioned viewers that the mixture would become extremely hot and advised them to avoid touching it with their bare hands.

The fruit is dipped in a hot liquid mixture and then placed on the side to harden.

Some children have ended up in the hospital due to attempting the recipe from the viral trend at home.

In August, a notice was issued by Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston regarding an increase in severe burn injuries among children caused by spilling sugar.

Dr. Colleen Ryan, a surgeon at Shriners, reported treating two patients in two weeks who sustained injuries while participating in the activity.

As she explained, when sugar is melted in the microwave, it has a high heat capacity, meaning it stores heat energy.

"Spilling sugar can result in a severe scald burn, similar to spilling hot soup, but it can cause a much deeper burn due to its properties. Children or teenagers can easily grab the pot or bowl and accidentally spill, splash, or splatter the hot fluid over themselves."

Ryan observed that one or several small but very deep burns are often found in critical areas such as the hand or the face.

"Parents should make sure their children have learned proper cooking safety and take preventive measures."

The cooking trend has resulted in an increase in injuries, as reported by the surgeon and her colleagues, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Parents should be aware that their children may encounter this trend on social media, as it was encouraged by her.

""Making treats can seem like fun for kids, but it's important to be aware of the potential danger and take precautions to prevent injury," she said."

"It is crucial for parents to ensure their children are well-versed in cooking safety and take proactive steps to prevent accidents."

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle and a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, stated that melted sugar is "risky" and cautioned about the "spreadable" nature of these viral trends among children.

The doctor advises parents to remove their clothes from the affected area and wash with cool water if a child gets burned.

If necessary, seek medical attention instead of applying ice to a burn, as advised by Shriners.

Siegel stated that blistering is a second-degree burn that may respond to burn creams, but leathery (black, brown or white in color) may be third-degree and requires immediate attention.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Shriner's Children's Hospital for comment.