Risky foods tend to be small, round, firm and slippery. The child under 4 usually finds such foods difficult to hold in place and chew. Round foods cause trouble because they fit so well into a child's airway, which is small and susceptible to blockage. Hot dogs, a popular picnic item, head the list of foods that children choke on most often. Slicing a hot dog lengthwise and then cutting pieces at an angle ensures odd-shaped pieces that are less likely to cause a child to choke.
Environment also plays a part in choking.
Because of this, it's important that meal and snack times be supervised, that small children be fed in an upright position, and that eating and play time be separated. Summary Sanitation and safe food practices are some of the most important aspects of good food service. One error or one instance of carelessness can cause the spread of disease with drastic consequences. Just as it's important to feed children nutritious, body-building foods, it is equally important that your meals and snacks be free from substances that may cause illness. Go to top of this page.