Healthy but hazardous: Fruits that pose choking risks to children
Cutting fruits into smaller pieces, removing seeds and pits, supervising children while they eat and knowing emergency responses like the Heimlich manoeuvre can make a life-saving difference.
While fruit is healthy and nutritious, it can become dangerous within seconds if not prepared properly, particularly for young children who are at higher risk of choking. Choking often happens quickly and silently, making it one of the leading causes of accidental injury and death among children.
Below are fruits known to pose choking risks, with reported cases in Malaysia and abroad:
1. Rambutan
Rambutan can be dangerous due to its hard seed, not the flesh.
Recently, a five-year-old boy died after choking on a rambutan seed at a house in Felda Neram 1, Kemaman, Terengganu. Police said the fruit had been peeled by the boy’s sister but the seed is believed to have become lodged in his throat while he was eating.
The child was rushed to Kemaman Hospital but was pronounced dead about 90 minutes later. A post-mortem confirmed choking as the cause of death. Similar cases involving rambutan seeds have been reported locally and overseas.
2. Grapes
Grapes are among the most common choking hazards for young children due to their small, round and smooth shape, which can easily block the airway.
In 2023, a two-year-old girl in Melaka died after choking on a grape at home. Although doctors managed to remove the grape, her condition deteriorated and she was placed on a ventilator before succumbing days later.
Medical literature worldwide documents numerous fatal choking cases involving whole grapes. Health experts advise that grapes should always be cut into quarters for children under five.
3. Longan
Like rambutan, longan contains a hard seed that can easily lodge in a child’s airway.
In 2017, a seven-year-old girl in Bachok, Kelantan, died after choking on a longan fruit at home. Her father said she had already eaten several fruits before requesting another. Despite attempts to remove the fruit, she was pronounced dead at a clinic. The case was classified as sudden death.
4. Cherries
Cherries may be overlooked as a choking risk, but their hard pits pose serious danger to children.
The pits can obstruct the airway in a similar way to rambutan or longan seeds. Cherries should always be pitted and cut into small pieces before being given to children.
5. Bananas
Even soft fruits like bananas can be hazardous if eaten in large chunks.
In India, a five-year-old boy reportedly died after choking on a piece of banana that became lodged in his windpipe. He was taken to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
6. Citrus
Citrus fruits such as oranges and mandarins can also be risky due to their slippery texture and segment shape.
In a recent case in Spain, a teenager choked to death after a piece of mandarin orange became stuck in his throat while he was walking with a friend. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
A reminder for parents
Fruit is an important part of a healthy diet, but it can pose a serious choking risk if not prepared properly.
Simple precautions such as cutting fruit into smaller pieces, removing seeds and pits, supervising children while eating and knowing emergency responses like the Heimlich manoeuvre can make a life-saving difference.
With proper preparation and supervision, snack time can remain both safe and enjoyable.
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