Cork

1. Wipe or rinse out mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Cork is most often associated with wine bottles, but it can be found in many household products. Its natural ability to float, water resistance, and insulation qualities make it useful in a wide variety of settings, including bulletin boards, coasters, insulation, flooring products, and even footwear and jewelry. But have you ever wondered where cork comes from?

Cork material is harvested from the bark of an evergreen oak tree, Quercus suber, which naturally grows in the Mediterranean region. It has been harvested for thousands of years, and Portugal is the primary producer, supplying about 50% of the world’s cork. It is both biodegradable and a renewable resource.

What if someone swallows part of a cork?

Luckily, cork is very safe. Swallowing small pieces in a glass of wine, for example, would not be expected to cause any harm or symptoms. Although the Quercus suber tree contains tannins, which can cause stomach upset, there are no reported cases of stomach upset from swallowed cork. Therefore, ingesting small pieces of cork is not expected to cause any harm.

However, eating large chunks or bites of cork is a choking hazard and higher risk for small children than adults. Signs and symptoms of choking include coughing, gagging, vomiting, a feeling of something “stuck” in the throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, or no sound, the skin turning blue or dusky. Choking is a medical emergency and requires calling 911 immediately.

If you find someone has eaten a small amount of cork, do not panic. Wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. Call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.

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