Recently, in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, an 18-month-old toddler was made to drink approximately 50 milliliters of beer by a restaurant guest at the child’s father’s establishment. The child subsequently presented with symptoms such as flushed complexion and rashes. Fortunately, the child was rushed to the hospital in time, preventing a fatal outcome.
According to Taizhou Enze Hospital, the incident occurred while the toddler's parents were busy managing their restaurant and unable to supervise the child, who then wandered around the premises. Unexpectedly, a frequent guest took the opportunity to pour beer into the child’s mouth. The child’s mother, Ms. Chen, stated that the man is a regular customer at the restaurant and usually seemed “quite kind,” so she was shocked he would commit such an act.
“I was washing vegetables in the kitchen when I suddenly heard my husband shouting loudly. I rushed out to find my child’s face completely red, and was so frightened that I immediately carried him to the hospital,” Ms. Chen said angrily. “From now on, I will never allow strangers near my child.”
The man involved, Mr. Wang, explained that he just intended to “play with the child” and didn’t realize the severity of his actions. He believed that beer has a low alcohol content and should be “harmless,” adding, “Back in my hometown, it’s common for young children to have a little alcohol.” He promised to cover all medical expenses.
Dr. Li from the pediatrics department at Taizhou Enze Hospital pointed out that children’s livers are far less capable of metabolizing alcohol compared to adults. Just 50 milliliters of beer can lead to excessive blood alcohol concentration, harming their nervous system and causing acute alcohol poisoning. In severe cases, this could suppress the respiratory or cardiac centers, potentially leading to death.
He emphasized that children must never consume alcohol, and urged parents to remain vigilant. If a child shows symptoms such as lethargy, inability to wake up, abnormal breathing, vomiting, convulsions, or bluish complexion, parents should immediately take them to the hospital to avoid delayed treatment.