Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi, My Son Age 10 Ate About 3-4 Bites Of
Question: Hi, My son age 10 ate about 3-4 bites of bad coleslaw before i caught it. it was refrigerated before use but had definitely expired.. sour smell slightly slimy feel. i bought it from the deli counter 5 days ago i think. what risk is involved and will he be ok. 30 minutes have passed and he is acting fine says he feels good
Brief Answer:
follow the advice...observe how he stays afterward...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concern...
Although, if kept refrigerated immediately and unopened, coleslaw can easily stay well beyond the expiry date. In fact, all supermarket deli-processed coleslaws are mostly stayed well for about 3-5days inside refrigeration.
However, given your description, "sour smell slightly slimy feel" chances are it could've gone bad. There is a chance of developing acute gastroenteritis after this (Food poisoning/stomach bug)...
It's a good thing that he's doing ok for now, but the average timespan for this kind of infection varies from 30minutes to somewhere around 6-8hrs...So, please keep him under supervision during this time...
To fasten the digestion process, make sure he drinks a lot of water, avoid any other form of dairy products during this period, give him easily digestible bland home-made foods (simple mash, banana, crackers, toast etc.), and no fried stuff, candy, high-sugary items for now strictly...
If at all, he develops any abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea then you need to take him for a quick check-up to the Pediatrician or to the nearest urgent care for further management (although, chances are unlikely, so just follow this for now and observe how he stays)...
Let me know if I can assist you further...
Take Care
Kind Regards
follow the advice...observe how he stays afterward...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concern...
Although, if kept refrigerated immediately and unopened, coleslaw can easily stay well beyond the expiry date. In fact, all supermarket deli-processed coleslaws are mostly stayed well for about 3-5days inside refrigeration.
However, given your description, "sour smell slightly slimy feel" chances are it could've gone bad. There is a chance of developing acute gastroenteritis after this (Food poisoning/stomach bug)...
It's a good thing that he's doing ok for now, but the average timespan for this kind of infection varies from 30minutes to somewhere around 6-8hrs...So, please keep him under supervision during this time...
To fasten the digestion process, make sure he drinks a lot of water, avoid any other form of dairy products during this period, give him easily digestible bland home-made foods (simple mash, banana, crackers, toast etc.), and no fried stuff, candy, high-sugary items for now strictly...
If at all, he develops any abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea then you need to take him for a quick check-up to the Pediatrician or to the nearest urgent care for further management (although, chances are unlikely, so just follow this for now and observe how he stays)...
Let me know if I can assist you further...
Take Care
Kind Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
since he ate such a little amount is the chance of getting sick lower. also is there a chance even though it was soured that he can not get sick at all?
Brief Answer:
follow-up consultation...
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
Yes, as I've already explained earlier, chances are unlikely to develop anything serious, however, the offending and aggravating factors need to be kept in check (as already explained), and he should be kept under supervision during this period.
Regarding the source, unfortunately, no one can say with absolute certainty...However, if you observe him for the next few hours remaining same, drinking ample water and doesn't exhibit any of those symptoms, chances are this episode will pass eventually without too much trouble...
Best wishes...
Take Care
Kind Regards
follow-up consultation...
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
Yes, as I've already explained earlier, chances are unlikely to develop anything serious, however, the offending and aggravating factors need to be kept in check (as already explained), and he should be kept under supervision during this period.
Regarding the source, unfortunately, no one can say with absolute certainty...However, if you observe him for the next few hours remaining same, drinking ample water and doesn't exhibit any of those symptoms, chances are this episode will pass eventually without too much trouble...
Best wishes...
Take Care
Kind Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
