Radiopaque pediatric oxygen absorber ingestion and the hidden risks of active packaging.

Abstract

We report the case of a 5-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department after accidental ingestion of the contents of an oxygen absorber sachet found in packaged food. Abdominal radiography demonstrated multiple fine, diffusely distributed radiopaque granules throughout the stomach and small bowel, producing a distinctive sandstorm-like appearance. The ingested material was confirmed to be iron powder mixed with sodium chloride, a compound commonly used in active food packaging with low gastrointestinal bioavailability. The patient exhibited no symptoms during the observation period and no specific intervention was required. This case demonstrates an unusual but recognisable radiographic pattern associated with oxygen absorber ingestion. It also emphasises the importance of differentiating this condition from other radiopaque foreign bodies to support appropriate clinical management.