12-year-old hospitalised after consuming large amount of Tyson Fury-branded caffeine gum
Boy ate 50 pieces of 'Furocity' gum and took in more than 2,000 mg of caffeine; mother called emergency services after chest pains and racing heart
A 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital after ingesting large quantities of a caffeine-containing chewing gum sold under boxer Tyson Fury’s Furocity brand, his mother said.
Oliver Wood, 12, bought four packs of the gum for £1 at a Farmfoods store in Swindon on August 28 and consumed about 50 pieces over 24 hours, according to his mother, Anne-Marie Willis, 35. She said he unwittingly consumed more than 2,000 milligrams of caffeine — which she described as the equivalent of about 20 cups of coffee or 25 cans of Red Bull.
Willis said her son felt unwell after beginning a second pack and reported chest pains while also feeling "shaky and jittery." She told reporters she called NHS 111, gave details about how much caffeine he had consumed and was advised to call an ambulance. Paramedics took the boy to hospital, where blood tests were carried out. He was discharged at about 5 a.m. the next day after his heart rate returned to normal, Willis said.
"If I had been there, I wouldn't have allowed him to purchase them," Willis said. "He came home saying his chest hurt—as soon as he showed me the gum, I knew it was serious. I honestly thought he could die—I was so scared."
The family said Oliver had believed the packs were conventional chewing gum when he bought them while out with friends. Willis said her son spent £1 on four packs.
High doses of caffeine can cause symptoms including rapid heartbeat, chest pain, tremors, nausea and anxiety. Children are particularly susceptible to stimulant effects because of lower body weight and differing sensitivity, medical guidance warns.
The incident has raised questions among parents about the availability of concentrated caffeine products on retail shelves and the potential for accidental ingestion by children. Retailers and manufacturers have previously faced scrutiny over energy drinks and other high-caffeine products that can be bought without age restriction.
Farmfoods and representatives of the Furocity product did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The boy’s family said they sought medical advice promptly and were relieved by his recovery but urged other parents to be aware of similar products.
Oliver’s case was treated as a medical emergency by local health services due to his symptoms and the reported quantity of caffeine consumed. Emergency responders and clinicians assess suspected caffeine overdose based on symptoms, reported intake and clinical observations; treatment commonly involves monitoring, supportive care and, where necessary, interventions to manage heart rate and hydration.
The family’s account underscores growing concerns about novel caffeinated products and the need for clear labeling and public awareness so that parents and guardians can make informed decisions when children encounter them in stores.