Parents in Toronto are concerned after multiple reports that someone is smearing peanut butter on childrenâs swings, slides and other play equipment in city parks.
Although itâs only a sticky mess for most kids, children with peanut allergies could die if they ingest some.
âIâm flabbergasted that someone would endanger the lives of children at a childrenâs park,â said one parent Wednesday.
âPerhaps itâs just some teenagers just being silly, not realizing the consequences of their actions,â added mother Sarah Milford-Warren.
Food Allergy Canada said in a statement to ŰÎŰ´ŤĂ˝ that it is âvery concerned.â
âGiven that even a small amount of peanut butter, if ingested, could cause a serious allergic reaction and be potentially life-threatening, it is a upsetting situation for everyone,â the advocacy group said.
An official with Toronto said the city has received reports since June of peanut butter on play equipment at Carleton Park, Perth Square, Hillcrest Park and Dufferin Grove Park.
An estimated 167,000 Canadian children under 18 are affected by peanut allergies, according to Food Allergy Canada. Thatâs roughly 2.5 per cent.
With a report from CTV Torontoâs Scott Lightfoot