A mother was terrified when her young child experienced a choking incident after consuming a candy from Aldi, causing him to stop breathing and turn blue for two minutes. Bethany Holden recounted giving her 16-month-old son Brody McAllister some chewy ‘Dino Gems’ sweets purchased from Aldi on October 22. Following the dessert treat, Brody suddenly fell silent, alerting his parents to the choking situation.
In a panic, the 29-year-old stay-at-home mom attempted back patting while her partner, Stefan McAllister, administered back blows to dislodge the candy from Brody’s airway. Despite their efforts, Brody struggled for breath, turning blue with bulging eyes, prompting Bethany to seek immediate help from a neighbor with medical experience.
After receiving additional back blows from the neighbor, Brody finally cried out in distress, indicating a clear airway. Rushed to the hospital, doctors thankfully found no internal injuries, but Bethany expressed concerns about the product’s safety, noting the absence of age restrictions on the packaging. She advocated for clear labeling recommending the sweets for children aged three and above.
Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Bethany emphasized the need for age-appropriate product warnings, especially for items like the Dino Gems that require chewing. Aldi, responding to the incident, expressed regret over the ordeal and mentioned incorporating Bethany’s feedback into potential packaging changes. The supermarket acknowledged meeting necessary labeling standards but acknowledged the importance of customer feedback in enhancing product safety.
Bethany’s call for clearer age restrictions on similar products was reiterated, emphasizing the importance of ensuring child safety in product design and labeling. Aldi’s commitment to considering customer input for product enhancements was underlined, highlighting the collaborative effort to prioritize consumer well-being.
