Doctors want food manufacturers to redesign foods like the all-American hot dog to prevent choking deaths in kids. They singled out the hot dog because it's responsible for nearly one in five food-related choking deaths among kids. In a 41-state study, hot dogs accounted for 17 percent of food-related asphyxiations among kids under 10.
The shape of hot dogs allow them to wedge tightly into a child's airway. Doctors say hot dogs are almost impossible to get out of a child's throat, even with medical equipment. Hot dogs are especially dangerous for kids under three.
The American Academy of Paediatrics posted the statement on its website that asked for the new child safety regulations for a number of foods, such as peanut butter, marshmallows, hard candy, carrot sticks and grapes. Doctors also want these high-risk foods labeled with warnings about the potential for children to choke, proper investigation into food-related choking incidents in kids, and better warnings to the public about new choking hazards.
Some tips on preventing choking in kids:
*Cut up all food into pieces under ½ inch in diameter.
*Teach your kids to carefully chew their food and swallow before laughing or talking.
*Do not let kids eat while walking, running or playing.
*Avoid foods that pose a high-choking risk in kids under the age of four.
*Learn CPR.
