A family in Hollister, California, is sounding the alarm after a shocking incident at a Salinas restaurant left their 2-year-old daughter intoxicated and in the emergency room. The family was enjoying a meal at Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant when their toddler was mistakenly served alcohol. What was supposed to be a simple dinner turned into a parent’s worst nightmare, as reported by 6 ABC.

The parents initially ordered apple juice for their daughter, unaware that the beverage placed in her cup was anything but safe. It wasn’t until the little girl began exhibiting unusual behavior—stumbling, leaning against walls, and slurring her words—that they realized something was terribly wrong. Upon smelling the drink, they discovered that their daughter had been sipping on house-made cooking wine.

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“No parent should have to go through this,” said Noemi Valencia, the mother of the child. “She was swaying, falling over, couldn’t hold her head up, and was clearly intoxicated.”

Rushed to Salinas Valley Emergency Room, the 2-year-old’s blood alcohol level was measured at 0.12%, an alarming number for such a young child. Thankfully, after spending the night under medical supervision, the little girl has made a full recovery. The parents are grateful the situation didn’t have a more tragic outcome.

The incident sparked outrage, with many calling for stricter safety measures in restaurants. The manager of Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant acknowledged the error, explaining that the wine had been stored in a large container labeled “apple juice.” The mishap occurred when the server unknowingly poured the wine into the child’s cup. Salinas police confirmed that a report was filed on August 17, 2024, and they are actively investigating the matter.

“Labeling and storage practices need to be taken seriously,” urged Valencia. “This kind of mistake should never happen to anyone else.”

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has also taken swift action, stating that they are closely collaborating with local authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. This has brought much-needed attention to the potential dangers that can arise from simple mistakes in food service. The Valencia family, still shaken from the ordeal, is now urging other parents to be extra vigilant when dining out. They emphasize the importance of not only being cautious but also of tasting what is served to their children to ensure their safety. The family’s hope is that their experience will prompt others to take these simple but crucial steps to avoid similar incidents in the future.