Cape Town Mom Shares Scary Moment Her Child Mistook Rat Poison for Sweets

A Cape Town mother has spoken out about a terrifying moment when her toddler accidentally consumed rat poison, mistaking it for candy. The incident was shared live on Heart 104.9 FM when radio host Suga asked listeners, “Has your child ever eaten something that made you panic?”

Candice, a concerned mom, called in to recount her experience.

A Mistaken Treat Turns Dangerous

Candice explained that her toddler got into Rattex—a toxic, pink pellet commonly used to kill rodents. The mom said she had stored it safely, out of reach and hidden. But her daughter still managed to find it.

“She probably thought it was the pink sweets I used to buy her—those Romantics,” Candice said. “That’s what made me panic.”

Despite her efforts to childproof the house, her daughter found the poison and even told her mom she had eaten “the pink sweetie.”

Calling for Help in a Panic

As a first-time responder and in total shock, Candice admitted she had no idea what to do.

“The only thing I remembered to do was call the poison centre,” she said.

She did not disclose what happened after the incident or whether her daughter required medical treatment. This story is a chilling reminder that toddlers’ curiosity often overrides even the most careful precautions. Poisoning cases among children tend to spike in winter, and many common household items can be dangerous when left in reach.

Lock Away Toxic Items

Install childproof locks on cabinets containing:

• Cleaning products like bleach or ammonia

• Laundry detergent or pods

• Medications and vitamins

• Alcohol

• Pesticides, rat poison, or bug spray

• Paint, glue, and other DIY chemicals

Where possible, store these products high up and out of sight. Use locked medicine cabinets. Avoid keeping pills, vitamins, or pet medications on counters or bedside tables. Importantly, never call medicine “candy,” as children might remember and try to eat it later.

Watch Out for Dangerous Look-Alikes

Some toxic products closely resemble food or drinks:

• Antifreeze can look like a sports drink

• Mouthwash and cleaning liquids might resemble juice

Always store these products in their original containers. Never transfer them into water bottles or food jars, as this increases the risk of accidental ingestion. While Candice’s daughter recovered from a close call, her story is a powerful warning to all parents. Taking a few extra steps to secure your home could make all the difference.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced:IOL

Picture: Raising Children