Georgia school warns parents about students getting drunk off vanilla extract (2024)

High school students are allegedly trying to get drunk by any means necessary, including purchasing pure vanilla extract, according to an Atlanta high school’s Facebook post.

Parents are being warned via Facebook that students at Grady High School are purchasing Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract, which contains 35 percent alcohol. “Another thing to keep an eye out for,” the school wrote.

Houston news station KHOU reported that school officials caught a few students at the school becoming intoxicated off vanilla extract this week after purchasing the flavoring at a store nearby the school. Atlanta school officials told the outlet that the students poured it in their coffee.

It is unknown how much of the vanilla extract the students consumed, but one student was reportedly hospitalized afterward. The parents of the hospitalized student removed him or her from Grady after the incident.

The National Capital Poison Center warns about the drinking of vanilla extract. As it contains the same type of alcohol as beer, wine and liquor, children, especially, are at risk of alcohol poisoning.

When vanilla extract is made, vanilla beans are soaked in alcohol for a number of days.

One four-ounce shot of vanilla extract is equal to drinking four shots of vodka,” Robert Geller, medical director of the Georgia Poison Center, told KHOU. “The vanilla extract is usually 35 percent or 70 proof. Vodka is usually 70 or 80 percent proof.”

While cooking or baking vanilla extract causes the alcohol to dissolve, it has a strong alcohol proof raw, and people do not need to show ID when purchasing the product. Stores also offer vanilla extract that is alcohol-free.

In January, a 50-year-old Connecticut woman was charged with driving under the influence after police found her at an intersection, with her eyes closed, at about 4:45 p.m. Officers said they found several bottles of pure vanilla extract inside her car and detected vanilla on her breath.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.

Georgia school warns parents about students getting drunk off vanilla extract (2024)

FAQs

Georgia school warns parents about students getting drunk off vanilla extract? ›

The alcohol level of flavoring extracts like vanilla is enough to lead to central nervous system depression, just like if you were drinking hard alcohol. This means: You may start to feel your breathing slow down and grow more shallow. You'll also experience symptoms like dilated pupils and a warming sensation.

What happens if you get drunk on vanilla extract? ›

The alcohol level of flavoring extracts like vanilla is enough to lead to central nervous system depression, just like if you were drinking hard alcohol. This means: You may start to feel your breathing slow down and grow more shallow. You'll also experience symptoms like dilated pupils and a warming sensation.

Is alcohol in vanilla extract safe for kids? ›

Vanilla extract is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking. While vanilla extract does contain alcohol, the tiny amounts typically used in baked goods and meals mean that it is fine to add vanilla extract to foods for baby.

Is there alcohol in vanilla extract? ›

By definition, yes there is alcohol in vanilla extract. According to the FDA, vanilla extract is a mixture of vanilla scent and flavor characteristic, and alcohol. To be exact, the FDA requires an ethyl alcohol content of at least 35% for a product to be considered vanilla extract.

Can a minor buy vanilla extract? ›

Vanilla extract is just as potent as bottle of liquor and there's no age restriction to buy the baking ingredient.

Can you fail a breathalyzer from vanilla extract? ›

Many people aren't aware that the little bottle of vanilla extract at the grocer is at least 35% alcohol. You don't use much in a recipe, but a few crumbs of that home-made sugar cookie could have enough to do the trick – if the trick is failing your breath test.

How much alcohol is in McCormick vanilla extract? ›

McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract: Ingredients

alcohol (35%), and corn syrup.

Will vanilla extract show up on a drug test? ›

Food and Other Consumable Products: flavoring extract, such as vanilla extract or almond extract, if consumed in excess (e.g. to flavor coffee) can cause a positive test. Some main dishes, side dishes, sauces and desserts, (e.g. Tiramasu-Rumcake) are prepared with large amounts of alcohol and can cause a positive test.

Do you need an ID to buy vanilla extract? ›

“The vanilla extract is usually 35 percent or 70 proof. Vodka is usually 70 or 80 percent proof.” While cooking or baking vanilla extract causes the alcohol to dissolve, it has a strong alcohol proof raw, and people do not need to show ID when purchasing the product.

How much alcohol is in vanilla paste? ›

Pure Vanilla Paste

Contains 14% alcohol.

Can I use 2 year old vanilla extract? ›

Pure vanilla extract—the kind made with real vanilla beans and at least 35 percent alcohol—has an indefinite shelf life. While safe, the flavor may deteriorate after a few years, especially if it's been stored improperly.

How is vanilla extract legal? ›

US regulations

In the United States, in order for a vanilla extract to be called pure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the solution contain a minimum of 35% alcohol and 100g of vanilla beans per litre (13.35 ounces per gallon).

What is vanilla for kids? ›

vanilla as a flavoring in ice cream, cakes, cookies, and many other types of food. Vanilla comes from beans that grow on certain types of orchids in warm parts of the world. Madagascar, Indonesia, and China produce large amounts of vanilla. An orchid is a type of flowering plant.

Is it okay to put vanilla extract in a drink? ›

Vanilla is a great ingredient in co*cktail mixology because it adds a smooth, luscious flavor to drinks and helps meld flavors together. It pairs beautifully with barrel-aged bourbon or whiskey, and also works well in rum co*cktails (particularly those that contain elements of cherry, chocolate, cinnamon, or clove).

How much alcohol is in vanilla extract FDA? ›

In vanilla extract the content of ethyl alcohol is not less than 35 percent by volume and the content of vanilla constituent, as defined in § 169.3(c), is not less than one unit per gallon.

Can you get sick from expired vanilla extract? ›

Can you get sick from using expired vanilla extract? Most likely not. As long as the vanilla extract was stored properly and has not begun to show signs of going bad (signs of mold, cloudy texture or rancid smell), you should be safe.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5531

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.