Bubble Tea: How Pearls Can Be a Choking Hazard for Small Kids

Bubble tea initially grew in communities, including the United States. The drink first migrated in the 1990s to the west coast of America.

Teashops are trendy right now, most especially among kids and teens. According to Parents, a viral news story of a 14-year-old Chinese teenager made the parents wonder if bubble tea is safe for kids. The teenager suffered stomach pain and constipation due to more than 100 undigested pearls in her belly from only drinking bubble tea.

Bubble or milk tea usually consists of a scoop of pearls - chewy, black blobs made from starchy cassava root - at the bottom of the cup. Cold tea and some ice are what make the milk tea. It is typically served with wide straw so you can eat and chew the pearls while drinking the tea.

Bubble tea has a lot of flavors to offer as it also evolves, which now includes popping boba and fruity teas. The younger generation is into these drinks as they are trendy on social media. Also, bubble tea is Instagrammable which is why many teenagers and children are buying the drink.

According to the Interview Area, the sugar in bubble tea is harmful to children; thus, children between ages 4 and 10 should be served only herbal teas as it contains no caffeine.

How is milk tea harmful to children's health?

Milk tea contains caffeine which is not good for kids' health as too much caffeine can cause agitation, insomnia, cardiovascular issues, and tremors in a child's body. Furthermore, it contains added sugar, approximately around 500 calories for the biggest cup.

It contains caffeine which, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, has no appropriate age for kids to start drinking coffee as it has no place in their diet; thus, they should stick with water and milk.

Moreover, one of the reasons why the experts do not recommend boba or bubble tea is mainly because of the pearls. According to Germany's Federal Institute for Risk of Management, small kids can accidentally inhale pearls into the lungs, especially those below four years old, making them a choking hazard for small children. Also, sucking up the pearls using a straw can increase the risk due to the added pressure applied by sucking.

Sally Kuzemchak, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian and educator, says that when parents buy bubble tea, they can ask for a lower level of sweetness, especially when they are with kids. If parents are concerned about pearls, they can skip them entirely for the kids to be safe, per Parents.

Read Also: How Can Parents Encourage Their Kids To Eat More Vegetables?

Preventive measures parents can apply to their children

Parents must sit with their children to ensure their safety while eating. Stop children from chatting or talking while eating, as they can also choke while eating or even drinking. This kind of accident can be prevented if children are with parents as they can stop children from eating a big serving of harmful food, especially small children.

According to The Asian Parent, never leave children, especially small ones, unattended while eating.

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