Ribena drink containing alcohol gives Hong Kong mother and daughter 'burning throats'

Police have launched an investigation after a mother and her nine-year-old daughter suffered a burning sensation in their throats after drinking a Ribena fruit drink containing ethanol.

The pair bought the 330ml foil bag drink from a stall on Pedder Street next to Central MTR station on February 18. Both took a mouthful of the juice but spat it out immediately as it tasted like alcohol, the Centre for Health Protection said.

Suffering from sore throats with a burning sensation, they went to Tseung Kwan O Hospital later that day and were admitted for observation.

The woman was discharged the next day, while the girl returned home on February 20.

Police are investigating the incident to determine if a crime has been committed.

The Centre for Health Protection said preliminary laboratory tests by the Hospital Authority's toxicology reference laboratory showed the presence of ethanol in the drink. Ethanol is the principal type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.

The centre said it was investigating with police and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. No other similar reports have been received.