Parents in Toronto are concerned after multiple reports that someone is smearing peanut butter on children’s swings, slides and other play equipment in city parks.
Although it’s only a sticky mess for most kids, children with peanut allergies could die if they ingest some.
“I’m flabbergasted that someone would endanger the lives of children at a children’s park,” said one parent Wednesday.
“Perhaps it’s just some teenagers just being silly, not realizing the consequences of their actions,” added mother Sarah Milford-Warren.
Food Allergy Canada said in a statement to CTV News that it is “very concerned.”
“Given 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,” 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. That’s roughly 2.5 per cent.
With a report from CTV Toronto’s Scott Lightfoot
