A 90-year-old grandfather reportedly ate paint mistaken for yogurt in a 2019 incident shared online by his granddaughter.
The New York man, identified in contemporary reports as Bobby, attracted widespread attention after his granddaughter, Alex Stein, posted photographs showing mint-green paint around his mouth and a partly empty paint container.
The story dates to February 2019, not a recent incident.
Granddaughter Shared the Mix-Up Online
In a February 22 post, Stein said her grandfather had eaten approximately half a quart of paint because he thought it was yogurt, according to News24’s contemporary report.
Stein described Bobby as an enthusiastic yogurt eater whose family regularly bought large quantities for him.
The photographs prompted concern about his health as well as questions about how the mistake happened. Some social media users speculated about which yogurt flavor he thought he was eating, but those guesses did not establish his explanation.
Family Reported That He Appeared Well
Stein later shared an update saying her grandfather’s stomach appeared unaffected.
A post on an Instagram account associated with Bobby also said poison control had been contacted and had offered reassurance. The account joked about the taste of the paint.
Those statements reflect the family’s account. The reporting reviewed does not independently establish the exact quantity swallowed, the paint’s formulation or a clinical assessment of his condition.
Paint Exposure Risks Depend on the Product
The reported outcome should not be taken as evidence that paint is safe to eat.
According to the National Capital Poison Center, swallowing liquid latex paint can cause stomach upset or vomiting. Oil-based paint presents an additional risk if it enters the lungs, where it can cause breathing problems and pneumonia.
The center also advises against putting paint in cups, glasses or food containers, where someone could mistake it for a drink or something edible.
Seek Advice After Accidental Ingestion
Anyone who swallows paint should seek advice based on the specific product and circumstances rather than relying on another person’s experience.
In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. The Poison Control website also provides information about getting help. If someone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be awakened, call 911 immediately.