The Lunchbox Surprise (Image Credits: Media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com)
South Fulton, Georgia – A parent’s apparent oversight led to the discovery of an alcoholic beverage in a student’s school lunchbox, prompting local authorities to remind families to inspect their children’s bags carefully.
The Lunchbox Surprise
Officers with the City of South Fulton Police Department encountered the unusual item during a routine check at a Fulton County school.[1][2]
The lunchbox contained typical snacks such as Doritos and fruit snacks alongside a can of Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini, which packs 11% alcohol by volume.[2]
This ready-to-drink cocktail, made with vodka, triple sec, and lemon juice, resembled a juice box at first glance.[1]
No harm came to the child, but the incident highlighted a potential risk in busy morning routines.
School resource officers spotted the can before it reached recess, averting any mishap.
Police Post Goes Viral with Humor
The department took to Facebook on February 25 to share the story in a tongue-in-cheek manner.[2]
“Say Twin… Before you send them babies off to school… CHECK. THE. LUNCHBOX,” the post began.[3]
It continued, “That is NOT Capri Sun. That is NOT Apple Juice. That is a whole ‘Parent had a long night’ starter pack.”[1]
The message poked fun at the scenario while stressing vigilance: “Check the lunchbox before the Fulton County Schools Police resource officers gotta do inventory at recess.”
Social media users responded with amusement, sharing similar close calls from their own experiences.
Rise of Deceptive Drink Packaging
Canned cocktails like the Lemon Drop Martini have surged in popularity, often mimicking non-alcoholic beverages in size and design.[2]
At 11% ABV, the drink exceeds the alcohol content of most beers, which typically hover around 5%.[1]
Parents packing lunches in a rush might grab these from the fridge without noticing the fine print.
Regulators have raised concerns over such packaging trends in recent years.
- Compact cans blend easily with kids’ drinks like Capri Sun or apple juice.
- Flavors such as lemon drop appeal to adults but look innocent.
- High ABV levels pose risks if consumed by children.
- Refrigerator clutter increases mix-up chances during school prep.
- Labels often require close inspection to spot alcohol warnings.
Lessons for Families and Schools
Incidents like this underscore the need for double-check routines in households with both adult beverages and school lunches.
Schools maintain policies against alcohol on campus, with resource officers trained to identify contraband.
Parents can adopt simple habits to prevent errors.
| Quick Lunchbox Checklist | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Beverages | Pack labeled water or juice | Store near adult cans |
| Labels | Read ABV percentages | Assume by appearance |
| Storage | Separate adult drinks | Mix in shared fridge |
Experts note that morning haste amplifies such oversights.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify drinks in lunchboxes match school-appropriate items.
- Store alcoholic beverages out of reach from kids’ supplies.
- Humor from police posts can reinforce serious safety messages.
This lighthearted alert from South Fulton serves as a timely nudge for parents everywhere: a quick scan could spare everyone an awkward school day surprise. What steps do you take to avoid mix-ups? Tell us in the comments.
