Lack of awareness of grape choking hazard puts children at risk, say doctors

Grapes can completely plug a child's airway, with research suggesting they are third most common cause of death in food-related incidents

Grapes are the third most common cause of death among children who die in food-related choking incidents, and doctors say a lack of awareness among parents, carers and health professionals could be leaving young children at risk.

The size and shape of grapes means that they can completely plug children's airways, with the tight seal produced by fruit's smooth, flexible surface making them tricky to shift with first aid manoeuvres.