A 12-year-old boy was hospitalized due to chest pain after consuming over 50 pieces of ‘Furocity’ caffeine chewing gum in a single day. Oliver Wood, 12, purchased four packs for just £1 at Farmfoods, mistaking them for regular chewing gum while hanging out with friends.
Unaware, he ingested more than 2,000mg of caffeine – equivalent to 20 cups of coffee or around 25 cans of Red Bull – within 24 hours. Concerned about his symptoms, Oliver confided in his mother, Anne-Marie Willis, 35, about experiencing chest discomfort and feeling shaky and jittery.
Prompted by his condition, an ambulance transported him to the hospital for blood tests. He was released at 5 am the following day after his heart rate normalized. Anne-Marie aims to caution other parents about the dangers of caffeinated gum for children.
Each pack of the gum contains 1840mg of caffeine. As per Bupa’s guidelines, a healthy 10-year-old’s safe caffeine intake is 90mg per day – equivalent to two cups of weak tea. Although there is no law barring the sale of caffeine products to children, the government has outlined a 10-year health plan to prohibit the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to those under 16.
Anne-Marie, a full-time carer from Swindon, Wiltshire, expressed her concern, stating, “He believed it was regular gum, and the low price and association with Tyson Fury led to his purchase. Upon seeing the gum, I immediately realized the severity of the situation.”
“I genuinely feared for his life – it was terrifying. We are fans of Tyson Fury, but this issue is not about the product itself. Selling caffeine products with the potency of 23 Red Bulls in a single tub to minors raises significant concerns,” she added.
Highlighting the lack of regulations, Anne-Marie stressed the need for increased awareness, especially when these products are prominently displayed at the checkout. Oliver bought the discounted gum from Farmfoods in Swindon on August 28, consuming a full pack before falling ill.
After contacting emergency services, Oliver underwent monitoring and tests at the hospital. Fortunately, his symptoms improved, and he was discharged. Despite the fortunate outcome, Anne-Marie views it as a close call, noting the product’s warning against children and pregnant women.
Following the incident, Anne-Marie reported the issue to Farmfoods, receiving a £10 voucher as a goodwill gesture. The store acknowledged the absence of age restrictions on such items but emphasized discretion in sales practices.
Anne-Marie emphasized the broader implications, stating, “This is a matter of national significance. While the product may have benefits at appropriate doses, the concern lies in its distribution and accessibility.”
She urged for stricter regulations to prevent accidental overdoses among children and emphasized the need for parental awareness. Anne-Marie has reached out to regulatory bodies and her local MP for action. Furocity has been contacted for a statement, while Farmfoods declined to comment.