AAP updates guidelines on prevention of choking

Warning labels are advised for foods that may be associated with a significant choking risk. This is one of several recommendations contained in an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement that was published in the March issue of the journal Pediatrics.

Choking is said to be a leading cause of injury and death among children, especially in those 3 years of age or younger.

The new policy statement, "Prevention of Choking Among Children," lists recommendations for government agencies, manufacturers, parents, teachers, childcare workers, and healthcare professionals to help prevent choking among children. The AAP recommends that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) should work together to recall food products that may represent a significant choking hazard. The association also recommends the creation of a national food-related choking-incident surveillance and reporting system. The AAP advises that food manufacturers should design new food and redesign current food to minimize choking risk. The association also recommends that parents, teachers, and childcare providers should be up-to-date in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and choking first aid.