Exploding Toy in Snack Packet Leaves Odisha Boy Blind in one Eye

An eight-year-old boy in Odisha’s Balangir district has suffered permanent loss of vision in one eye after a small toy included as a free gift inside a packet of corn puffs exploded while he was playing with it. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, when the child purchased a five-rupee packet of ‘Light House’ brand corn puffs from a local shop in the area. After finishing the snack, he began playing with the toy, which unexpectedly detonated, causing severe injury to his eye.

According to family members and initial reports, the explosion was powerful enough to rupture the boy’s eyeball. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where ophthalmologists examined him and confirmed that the damage was irreversible, resulting in permanent blindness in the affected eye. The child is currently receiving treatment and post-injury care, with doctors focusing on preventing further complications and managing pain.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and consumer safety advocates in the region. Free toys or small trinkets are commonly included in low-cost snack packets targeted at children across India, but such giveaways are rarely subjected to stringent quality checks. Similar accidents involving exploding or defective toys hidden in food packets have been reported sporadically in the past, raising questions about manufacturing standards, material safety, and regulatory oversight for items intended for young consumers.

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Local authorities in Balangir have initiated an investigation into the matter, with officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) expected to examine the product batch and the toy’s composition. The ‘Light House’ brand, a popular budget snack in rural and semi-urban markets, has not issued any immediate statement regarding the incident. Consumer rights groups have called for stricter guidelines on promotional items packed with edible products, emphasizing the need for non-hazardous materials and proper safety testing.

The tragic case has once again highlighted the risks associated with cheaply produced toys distributed through food packaging. As the boy and his family cope with the life-altering consequences, the episode serves as a stark reminder for both manufacturers and regulators to prioritize child safety in everyday consumer goods. Authorities are urged to take prompt action to prevent similar incidents and ensure accountability in the supply chain.

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