VIDEO: The potential effects a lithium battery could have in an hour if a child swallowed it, demonstrated using a piece of ham to represent tissue, and water for saliva. Previous experiments have shown the same effect.
A Notts healthcare expert says batteries discovered inside Co-op chocolates could kill a child if swallowed.
The Co-op issued a nationwide recall of its chocolate Easter bunnies on Tuesday after a Bulwell mum found a lithium battery in one she bought for her three-year-old daughter.
If swallowed, the battery could have burnt a hole in her throat, because it can cause a chemical reaction with saliva.
Professor of Primary Care Research at the University of Nottingham, Denise Kendrick, warned of the effects this could have had.
She said: “Batteries will often pass through, but if a Lithium battery gets stuck then it can create an electrical current and release caustic soda, the same chemical used to unblock sinks.
“This can burn through the gullet and burn into the windpipe of a major blood vessel, which can cause major internal bleeding.
“It’s potentially very serious.”
She added that repeated surgeries may be needed if the battery burned through the gullet and windpipe, and if it eroded through a major blood vessel then this could lead to death.
“Parents need to be aware that these batteries are in many things, even those they wouldn’t think of,” she said.
“They can be in novelty toys, key fobs, calculators and hearing aids, a lot of very common household objects.
“The batteries, as well at the items containing the batteries should be kept out of children’s reach and disposed of properly.”
Tammy-Louise Dundon, who found the battery on Saturday, said she was happy after the supermarket ordered a nationwide recall.
“I’m relieved I’m not the only person who found one before the recall, I would’ve felt bad if I didn’t say anything and another child got hurt,” she said.
The battery has been collected by Nottinghamshire Police as evidence. The force and the National Crime Agency are investigating the discovery as a crime.
They are also probing the presence of two batteries found in Co-op chocolate Santas in December. It is thought all may have been planted maliciously after the manufacturing process.
“I personally think someone is trying to harm children,” she said.
“I thought they had a thing against the Co-op, but the bunnies are manufactured in Germany so it must be someone being horrible.
“I thought it was an innocent mistake at first.”
