AAP Wants Food Choking Warning Labels

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wants foods that pose a high choking risk to carry warning labels, and calls for foods that pose a significant choking hazard to be recalled. In its new policy statement, Prevention of Choking Among Children, the organization also recommended the establishment of a nationwide food-related choking-incident surveillance and reporting system, and called for food manufacturers to design new food and redesign existing food to minimize choking risk.

On the caretaker end, AAP said CPR and choking first aid should be taught to parents, teachers and child care providers; and pediatricians should continue to provide guidance to parents on safe and appropriate food and toy choices, as recommended by the AAP.

AAP said prevention of food-related choking among children in the United States has been inadequately addressed at the federal level. They want FDA to establish a systematic, institutionalized process for examining and addressing the hazards of food-related choking, which would include the establishment of the necessary surveillance, hazard evaluation, enforcement and public education. They also said FDA should have the authority to address choking-related risks of all food products, including meat products that fall under the jurisdiction of the USDA.

They released this statement in the March issue of Pediatrics, noting choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children, especially children 3 years of age or younger. Food, toys and coins account for most of the choking-related events in young children, who put objects in their mouths as they explore new environments.