Baking soda mistaken for salt on barbecue sends family from Rio to hospital and warns of home risks
A family gathering to celebrate with a barbecue ended unexpectedly with everyone present going to the hospital. Saleswoman Maysa Marquesini, 23 years old, resident in São José do Vale do Rio Preto (RJ), enjoyed the occasion in the company of her minor children, fiancé and other relatives.
The harmony of the event was broken when, at the end of the meal, a singular mistake came to light: the barbecue meat had been prepared with baking soda instead of coarse salt. “Our biggest concern was for the children”, declared Maysa.
The incident took place on June 7, but gained widespread repercussion on digital platforms later, after Maysa shared a video on her TikTok profile (@maysamarquesine), which quickly went viral and accumulated almost 10 million views.
Maysa detailed that the barbecue took place at her fiancé’s aunt’s residence. The baking soda was stored in a tub of butter rather than its original packaging, which prevented the change from being noticed.
She added that the barbecue was close to the laundry room, with the pot positioned on the counter where her fiance’s father prepared the meat. The product, in its granulated form, was very similar to coarse salt, which made him use it without any suspicion.
The change of ingredients went unnoticed throughout the meal, with the family consuming the barbecue without noticing any difference. Only at the end of the event, during the organization of the kitchen, did the hostess identify the pot of butter and understand that the seasoning used was baking soda, not coarse salt.
“Panic gripped everyone the moment the discovery was made,” reported Maysa. The group was made up of 11 individuals, including children aged between 2, 3 and 4 years old. Although no one felt immediate symptoms, going to the hospital was a preventative measure, especially since it was a cleaning product and because of the presence of the little ones.
Medical care mobilizes all family members after an incident
Maysa and her nuclear family, including her husband and children, were the first to go to the emergency room. At the unit, health professionals recommended that other relatives who had also ingested the substance be called for evaluation. “Everyone went to the hospital”, she recalled, highlighting the mobilization and administration of serum to everyone, even children, to “wash the body”.
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To ensure the patients’ well-being, the medical team contacted a specialized poisoning center in São Paulo. The feedback was that ingestion would not have serious consequences, since the intense heat of the barbecue tends to neutralize the effects of bicarbonate. However, the family remained under observation at the hospital to monitor any possible reaction.
Fortunately, no family members showed serious reactions. “At most, there were those who had a slightly higher blood pressure and those who had a drop, but this was attributed to the nervousness of the moment”, reported Maysa, highlighting the fright and great concern they felt.
Her fiance’s father underwent specific tests, which revealed a small change in the kidney. Although doctors associate this stain with the consumption of bicarbonate, the condition was not considered serious. “He is fine, and we are all fine, without any persistent symptoms”, emphasized Maysa.
Essential guidelines in case of accidental ingestion of cleaning products
When faced with ingesting any cleaning product, the recommendation is to act promptly and seek medical help without delay, even in the absence of apparent symptoms. Thiago Piccirillo, general practitioner at the São Camilo Hospital Network in São Paulo, explains that “certain products are capable of causing internal burns in the esophagus and stomach, the damage to which may not manifest itself immediately”, highlighting the importance of rapid intervention.
When faced with ingestion of cleaning substances, it is essential to follow a protocol of actions:
- Immediately stop consumption and rinse your mouth thoroughly with running water if you notice anything unusual in the taste or ingestion.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water in small amounts if you are conscious and able to communicate.
- Seek medical assistance as soon as possible, even if there are no symptoms.
- Take the product packaging or a photo of it to the emergency team, making it easier to identify the composition and choose the appropriate treatment.
- Pay attention to signs such as pain in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, nausea, vomiting, feeling short of breath and drowsiness, as symptoms may vary depending on the substance.
Actions to avoid in cases of chemical poisoning
General practitioner Thiago Piccirillo emphasizes that certain practices can worsen the clinical condition. Next, what you should NOT do when ingesting cleaning products:
- Do not try to induce vomiting, as the substance can cause new damage to the digestive system during the return process.
- Avoid homemade solutions such as vinegar, milk or mixtures to neutralize the product, as these actions can intensify its harmful effects.
- Do not wait for symptoms to appear; The search for medical help must be immediate to ensure the best intervention.
Tips for preventing household accidents with cleaning products
Although precaution is essential, accidents are a reality. However, the doctor advises on effective measures to minimize mistakes and prevent incidents. Check out the recommendations:
- Always store chemicals in their original packaging with clear identification, avoiding food containers to prevent confusion.
- Keep these items out of the reach of children and the elderly, and away from food.
- Never reuse jars that contained cleaning products to store food, thus eliminating the risk of contamination.
