Pediatric Association Recommends Choking Hazard Label for Foods

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a policy statement calling for warning labels on foods that pose a high risk of choking. The medical organization has identified hot dogs as “the food most commonly associated with fatal choking among children,” as well as other high-risk foods that include “hard candy, peanuts/ nuts, seeds, whole grapes, raw carrots, apples, popcorn, chunks of peanut butter, marshmallows, chewing gum, and sausages.”

According to a February 22, 2010, press release, the policy contains “recommendations for government agencies, manufacturers, parents, teachers, child care workers and health care professionals to help prevent choking among children.” In addition to the warning labels, AAP has urged these groups to consider strategies for (i) recalling food products that pose a significant choking hazard, (ii) establishing “a nationwide food-related choking-incident surveillance and reporting system,” (iii) designing new food and redesigning existing food to minimize choking risk, and (iv) educating parents, teachers and child care providers on CPR and choking first aid. AAP has also suggested
granting the Food and Drug Administration the authority “to address choking-related risks of all food products, including meat products that fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.” See The Associated Press, February 22, 2010.