Lurking in the Lunchbox.

Energy mints. What will they think of next?

It was in the news today that a few high school students in Illinois got suspended for popping energy mints at school. According to reports, the mints contained as much 200 mg. of caffeine. Holy High! That's equal to two cups of coffee, which is already available to students at the school. That's odd, since many schools have banned soft drinks containing caffeine. I was confused, until the school officials clarified that the students were suspended for possessing UNIDENTIFIED tablets. Now that's a different story.
Those miniature mystery pucks could have been  Canada mints, feared even by drug lords for their sugar content.

Canada Mints

If you read yesterday's blog, you will understand that Canada is still upset over the War of 1812, and it is no accident that these wholesome looking candies are actually addicting. Be warned. If you let your child takes these to school in a snack baggie, they will be suspended, and you could earn yourself a visit from Child Protective Services.


Equally dangerous, simply because of its similarity to the deadly energy mint is the denture-cleaning tablet. It comes in delicious flavors and is another hockey-puck shaped powdery thing found in many homes. I didn't understand the directions when I first got mine, and popped one of those suckers in my mouth. It tasted okay, but the bubbling action got me foaming at the mouth, and my husband rushed me to a vet.  The tablet did, however, do a nice job on my dentures.

Be careful what you send to school in your child's lunchbox.
Many seemingly harmless food products can be misidentified when removed from their original packaging. Be on the alert for fig newtons and Pop Tarts that resemble ninja weapons, Twinkies that could be filled with illegal substances, and the deceptively innocent-appearing Licorice Whips.
Together we can make school a safe place for our children.

Foamy, but tasty