Hot dog shape debate brings food safety to spotlight

Don't know about you, but I'm getting a kick out of the cries of outrage from hot dog lovers after the American Academy of Pediatrics recently released their policy on choking hazards. While choking is not funny, it's terrifying, I can't help but laugh at how the media has once again dramatized a simple and common-sense precautionary statement. Ridiculous headlines like "AAP Says Killer Hot Dogs Must Die" have manufacturers and frankfurter aficianados acting as if our society is one step away from Big Brother rule.

While despising the drama, I am thrilled that it is bringing to light a very serious issue. Because I am an overly paranoid parent, I've read and memorized the rules for foods to avoid and to slice up, size recommendations, etc., but there are a lot of parents who are not well-informed and are putting their children at risk each day. 

Here's a quick summary of what the AAP suggests:

1. Education of parents, teachers and caregivers about potential choking hazards, including hot dogs, grapes, popcorn, hard candies, and others.
2. Enacting legistlation to reduce risk in both food and non-food choking hazards.
3. Changing product design of potentially hazardous items to reduce risk of choking.

Notice that number 1 is "educating" those who are responsible for children.

Here's my two cents on the matter, and I would LOVE to hear yours. While hot dogs are pretty high up on the list (17% of asphyxiations in children, balloon inhalation makes up 29%), they are one of the easier of the group to change with your own two hands. When feeding a hot dog to a small child, take a minute to slice it up - first lengthwise, then into small sections. I'm not sure I would spend $7 on a gadget like the one shown here as our family doesn't eat dogs regularly, but this gives you a good image guide to the size bites you should be feeding your toddler.

Grapes can be cut up the same way, but it's very difficult to cut up a hard, round candy. If you can't make it safe for your kid, then don't buy or serve it. It's that simple. Take responsibility as a parent, and spend your effort concerning yourself with whether or not your child's caregivers are aware of these hazards.

We can't do away with every thing that's dangerous to our little ones: swimming pools, stairs, animals, etc. What we can actively do as parents is:

• be informed by listening when experts speak and by reading parenting books
• be vigilant by using recommended safety equipment and by looking around us for potential dangers
• be real in understanding that it's ultimately our job as parents to protect our children from physical dangers..as well as mental and spiritual dangers, but that's another subject entirely!

And all we can expect from members of society is to do their best to be an informed part of "the village." That's what the AAP is hoping to help accomplish with their policy statements.

Healthy Snacks for Kids (Nitty Gritty Cookbooks)