How to spot tampered drinks: Police warn public after urine-spiked soda case

Hong Kong police have issued urgent guidelines on identifying potentially contaminated beverages after a shocking case where a 63-year-old unemployed man allegedly spiked bottled soft drinks with urine and placed them back on supermarket shelves.

The disturbing incident came to light when a 9-year-old boy purchased and consumed one of the tainted drinks.

Key signs of drink tampering

Senior Inspector Yau Yu-sing of the West Kowloon Regional Crime Unit outlined crucial warning signs for consumers:

1. Cap Tampering
- Check for any signs that the bottle cap has been previously opened or resealed
- Look for scratches, misalignment, or compromised tamper-evident rings

2. Bottle Firmness
- Carbonated drinks should maintain firm bottle pressure
- If the plastic bottle feels soft, it may indicate gas leakage from prior opening

3. Liquid Volume
- Compare the liquid level with identical products on the shelf
- Significant deviations may suggest contents were altered

4. Visual and Olfactory Clues
- Check for unusual coloration or cloudiness
- Be alert to any abnormal odors when opening

What to do if you suspect tampering

Authorities advise consumers to immediately notify store staff or the product manufacturer, as well as contacting the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department hotline at 2868-0000. Consumers should also preserve the product as evidence if possible.

The warning comes after police arrested a suspect in Sham Shui Po on suspicion of contaminating multiple bottles of Coca-Cola Plus and 7 Up. Investigators believe the man acted in retaliation following a dispute with supermarket staff.

Doctors warn of potential health risks from urine-tainted soda

Medical experts have assessed the potential health risks for consumers. 

Family doctor Dr. Lam Wing-wo stated that while the amount of urine mixed into the beverages was likely small, there is still a risk of bacterial growth—especially if stored at warm temperatures—potentially leading to E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus contamination. 

Ingesting such tainted drinks could cause severe gastroenteritis.

Dr. Lam reassured that urine itself poses limited harm to the human body, as stomach acid can neutralize some bacteria. 

However, he advised anyone who may have consumed the affected products to drink plenty of water immediately to help flush out contaminants. 

For children, he noted, the psychological impact of the incident may be more concerning than physical harm.

Agreeing with the advice, Dr. Fong Lai-ying, Food Project Director of Hong Kong Food Innovation and Technology Hub, emphasized that those who accidentally drank the tampered beverages should "gulp large amounts of water" to dilute and expel the contaminated liquid. 

Fong added that symptoms, if any, would likely include nausea.

Read more: Urine-tainted coke: Man arrested after 9-year-old boy fell victim to urine-spiked soda scheme

(Marco Lam)