Facts About Children, Candy and Choking

The confectionery industry feels very strongly about protecting the health and well-being of children and strives to make products safe for everyone.

Any type of food can present a choking hazard. Because candy is a popular food among children, parents should supervise its consumption, especially among very young children. Children under the age of four years are more susceptible to choking on foods and non-food items. Young children do not yet have fully developed teeth for chewing, have smaller airways and have immature swallowing mechanisms. .

The most common food choking hazards among young children are hot dogs, grapes, nuts, hard candies and chunks of fruits and vegetables. It's important for an adult to supervise the consumption of any type of food among young children and to teach children of all ages how to safely consume food. For example, children should not run or play while eating.

Parents and adult caretakers also should be trained in first aid in the event of a choking incident. For more information, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Red Cross, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or the National SAFE Kids Campaign.

An excellent article written by the FDA for consumers in October 2005 offers guidance on choking prevention.

Safety Poster Available

The International Food Information Council has developed an oustanding poster with guidelines and tips to help caregivers, parents and others to take the necessary steps to prevent the incidence of airway obstruction or choking in young children. For more information or to obtain an electronic or paper copy of the brochure visit IFIC's web site.