Pediatric Food Labels

Pediatrician group urges warning labels about choking for certain foods.
USA Today (2/22, Szabo) reports that "the American Academy of Pediatrics wants foods like hot dogs to come with a warning label -- not because of their nutritional risks, but because they pose a choking hazard to babies and children." USA Today adds, "Better yet, the academy would like to see foods such as hot dogs 'redesigned' so their size, shape, and texture make them less likely to lodge in a youngster's throat." Altogether, "more than 10,000 children under 14 go to the emergency room each year after choking on food, and up to 77 die, says the new policy statement, published online...in Pediatrics."
The AP (2/22, Tanner) reports that FDA "spokeswoman Rita Chappelle said the agency will review the academy's analysis and recommendations. She said the FDA also would continue consulting with the Consumer Product Safety Commission on assessing choking hazards associated with food and take action on a case-by-case basis."