An Ohio-based company is manufacturing a new product that has the visual look (multi-colored) and shape of gelatin cups (8 packs). Each gelatin cup contains 12% alcohol (24 proof) 50ml and has been classified as a mixed beverage. We are concerned about the availability and accessibility of this product to children. We have discovered that it is on the shelves across Ohio and that since the packaging and product appear non-alcoholic, may lead purchasers and sellers for example: A college student from the University of Cincinnati purchased the product that was displayed near the check out line. She was not carded nor was the check out person alerted that the product sold contained alcohol. Persons investigating the availability of this product in Ohio cities report they are on the shelves in "in and out" convenient type stores and large grocery outlets. The following cities have reported having this product on sale: Toledo, Cincinnati, Athens and Columbus. Youngstown, Cleveland and the Putnam County area have reported that at this time the product is not on store shelves.
Product Information
Drug and Poison Control information: Products containing ethyl alcohol are potentially dangerous to young children, with the major concern being central nervous system depression as well as a lowering of blood sugar levels. At blood alcohol levels of 100 mg% (0.1%), the Cincinnati Drug & Poison Information Center (DPIC) would recommend that a toddler be evaluated in an Emergency Department. Calculated levels less than 100 mg% can be managed at home (if the child is asymptomatic) by giving the child something sweet (real sugar) to drink and monitoring by a poison control center or pediatrician. The DPIC always advises parents to keep alcohol beverages out of the reach of children. The marketing of an attractive product that looks like a gelatin product, that some people may not even realize contains alcohol is of serious concern. It is certainly possible that someone (parent, caregiver, babysitter) thinking that this item was a plain gelatin product could inadvertently give one or two of these to a child. Also since the products are colorful and tasty they might be taken accidentally by a small child. Additionally, the product sets a poor precedent in marketing alcohol consumption to younger users.
|
Blood Alcohol Content by Weight of Child for Gelatin Cups Containing Alcohol
(1 cup = 50 ML)
|
| Blood Alcohol Content: If a child weighing 40 lbs eats: |
| |
1 Cup |
2 Cups |
3 Cups |
4 Cups |
5 Cups |
6 Cups |
7 Cups |
8 Cups |
| BAC |
.043 |
.087 |
.13 |
.17 |
.22 |
.26 |
.31 |
.35 |
| Blood Alcohol Content: If a child weighing 70 lbs eats: |
| |
1 Cup |
2 Cups |
3 Cups |
4 Cups |
5 Cups |
6 Cups |
7 Cups |
8 Cups |
| BAC |
.025 |
.050 |
.075 |
.10 |
.125 |
.150 |
.175 |
.20 |
|
Input from: Gaylene Tsipis and Earl Siegel Co-Directors Cincinnati Drug & Poison Information Center (1-800-222-2111)
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Suggested Activities
- Distribute attached flyer to parents, grandparents, and caregivers etc. to inform them of the harmful effects if small children consume this product.
- Request the store manager to take the product off the shelf until it is packaged more appropriately. In the interim, ask the store manager to display the product only high on the shelf in the alcohol/wine area.
- Request the store manager to inform store personnel that the product contains alcohol and to card purchasers.
- Write the Ohio Liquor Control Commission and request them to set up compliance checks on the sale of this product.
For additional information on the above alert or contact information for the manufacture/distributors regarding this item contact: The Ohio Resource Network for Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, P.O. Box 210109, 2624 Clifton Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0109 Phone # 1-800-788-7254 or fax# 1-513-556-0782.
To participate in this OEWN initiative, visit www.ebasedprevention.org and fill out the OEWN registration form. Anyone in Ohio can report an issue to the Ohio Early Warning Network by calling the toll-free non-emergency InfoLine at 1-866-OhioEWN.
This alert is brought to you by the Ohio Department of Education, Safe and Drug Free Schools Program, the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addictions Services, Division of Prevention Services, the Ohio National Guard and the Ohio Resource Network for Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities
The information appearing on this alert is presented for educational purposes only. While the information published on this site is believed to be accurate, it is not intended to substitute for your own informational gathering or professional medical advice
