they should always be chewed thoroughly before  swallowing. If not chewed properly and swallowed  

in large amounts, there is a potential  risk of causing a digestive tract blockage,  

particularly in children. This is relatively  rare but can be serious if it occurs. In 2019,  

there was a news report of a child in China who  reportedly had hundreds of undigested tapioca  

pearls causing a blockage in her digestive system,  but it's important to note that this was an  

extreme and unusual case. As with all foods, boba  should be eaten responsibly and in moderation.