Philadelphia pediatricians joined their fellows across the country this week in asking food manufacturers to redesign foods that commonly cause choking deaths and injuries to the nation's children. Approximately 70 American children under the age of 10 die every year in food-caused choking deaths. Another 10,000 U.S. children under the age of 14 are rushed to hospital emergency rooms because of food-related choking incidents, some of which cause serious personal injury. When food obstructs a child's airway, the child can stop breathing, shutting down the oxygen supply to the brain and vital organs. Serious injury, debilitating brain damage and death can occur.
The American Academy of Pediatrics this week issued a policy statement asking manufacturers to make foods commonly marketed and served to children less hazardous to their health. The Academy asked food manufacturers not only to develop new, safer foods but to redesign the shape, size and texture of existing foods to remove choking risks. As an example, hot dogs, a favorite childhood food, are cylindrical and roughly the same diameter as a child's throat. Their shape and popularity with children make hot dogs a formidable choking hazard. The pediatric group emphasized that they aren't proposing that manufacturers stop making certain foods, just that they redesign them so they will no longer be a choking hazard.
Pediatricians also want the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to require choking hazard labels on foods associated with child choking deaths and personal injuries. In their policy statement, they asked the FDA to evaluate foods, develop and enforce a risk rating system, require warning labels on foods, and educate the public about food-related childhood choking risks. Pediatricians also urged parents and child care workers to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation and choking first aid techniques so they are prepared to help their children in a choking emergency.
If your child's health has been placed at risk by a food-related choking hazard, a Philadelphia personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and inform you of your legal rights.
