Packed foods are thought to be free of contamination such as dust particles and bird droppings. We prefer them to 'exposed foods' especially when we are abroad. This is generally the case but not always the case. The events of Monday 22 October 2007 gave me the unexpected wake up call.
Having retrieved yoghurt from the fridge and poured it into a clean glass, I went off to fetch a spoon. I take 'natural' (plain) or pro biotic yoghurt as often as I can because experts say it is good for a healthy gut. When I got back I made to lift the glass and stopped, suddenly. What on earth is that blackish lump in my yoghurt? No mistaking it for fruit or a stray nut surely as this was unsweetened and plain yoghurt. I lifted one of the lumps for closer scrutiny. My heart lept at what I had just discovered. Blackish lumps that looked like peeled glossy paint. I was shocked and then very alarmed. Would I still be here if I ate my yoghurt without noticing the lumps? Can I get ill from these? Are these lumps toxic? I was not expecting them or anything else for that matter to be there. It was plain, right?
My first thoughts were to return the rest of the product to the store from where I had purchased it. I had retained my receipt. Then I thought of having the yoghurt tested in a laboratory so that I would at least know what the foreign matter was. This became more important when I recalled that two young children had been served the same product a short while prior to my discovery.
One child tested positive for an infection of the colon in its initial stages. The child's stomach was already upset by the end of that day. The other reported to have seen the bumps, thought them 'strange' and avoided ingesting them.
The laboratory test ' confirmed the presence of foreign matter and pieces of paper!
The child was put on antibiotics and is recovering. The store owners plus the supplier of this product are working a way forward.
It is important to not only read food labels carefully but also take note of any unusual things. As dairy products such as yoghurt may contain fruits and nuts and other toppings, some children may not be able to tell 'strange matter' and 'exotic fruit' apart. Sensitise them and help them make better choices. It could mean the difference between life and death.
Romosh
