Grape Safety Alert: Choking Hazard Awareness for Parents and Caregivers

The choking hazard of grapes

Deaths from choking are a major cause of childhood mortality, especially in the very young. Whole grapes are ideally suited to cause paediatric airway obstruction and, though regularly implicated, knowledge that this popular fruit, and other similarly shaped foods, is a choking hazard is not widespread. We present the cases of three children who presented to our institution after grape ...

So, why are grapes so dangerous? The size and shape of grapes means they can completely plug a child's airway. And the tight seal produced by the grape's smooth surface makes them difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques. Young children are particularly vulnerable to choking on grapes because:

Grape Choking Hazard

A lodged grape can be difficult or impossible to remove with first aid alone. [1] [2] When a grape fully obstructs the airway, it can become fatal within minutes. Some children who survive severe grape - choking incidents are left with permanent brain injury: unable to talk, walk, or live independently.

This page provides information about choking hazards and how to prevent choking in young children.

PDF Reducing the Risk of Choking in Young Children at Mealtimes

1⁄2-inch pieces Small round foods such as grapes , cherries, cherry tomatoes, and melon balls are common causes of choking . Slice these items in half lengthwise. Then slice into smaller pieces (no larger than 1⁄2 inch) when serving them to young children.

Choking is a leading cause of death for infants and children. Most children who die from choking are under age 5—and two-thirds are babies under a year old. Some children who survive a severe choking episode have permanent, life-changing brain injuries. but knowing the signs of choking and how to respond quickly can help prevent tragedy.