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Lychee-flavored gel candies: a potentially lethal snack for infants and children
James S Seidel1, Marianne Gausche-Hill
1Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA. seidelj@emedharbor.edu
Insights
A 10-month-old infant experienced respiratory arrest after aspirating a lychee gel candy. This case highlights the choking hazard of small, hard candies for young children, necessitating parental awareness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Medicine
- Consumer Product Safety
Background:
- Lychee Mini Fruity Gel candies are popular snacks.
- Infants and young children are at high risk for choking due to their developing swallowing mechanisms.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old infant aspirated a hard gel candy, leading to complete airway obstruction and respiratory arrest.
- Emergency medical services (EMS) interventions included bag-valve-mask ventilation and intubation.
- Bronchoscopy confirmed the aspirated object was a large, hard gel from the candy.
Findings:
- The aspirated gel candy caused total airway obstruction in the infant.
- This is the third reported case of gel candy aspiration in young children within five years.
- The candy's firm, gelatinous consistency poses a significant aspiration risk.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should counsel parents on the dangers of giving small, hard candies to children under five.
- Public health campaigns are needed to raise awareness about choking hazards associated with specific food products.
- Product manufacturers and regulatory bodies should consider safety warnings or modifications for high-risk food items.
Abstract:
A 10 month-old infant was given a Lychee Mini Fruity Gel (AP Frozen Foods Ltd, Thailand) by his mother while shopping in a supermarket. The child was sucking on the gel when he began to choke and have difficulty breathing. Emergency medical services were called, and paramedics found the child to be in respiratory arrest with a palpable pulse of 40 beats/min. They transported him to the pediatric emergency department, performing bag-valve-mask ventilation with a manual resuscitator. The child was intubated and taken to the operating room for bronchoscopy and then the pediatric intensive care unit for critical care. The initial report was that he choked on gelatin. However, he was found to have aspirated a large hard gel found in the lychee-flavored candy that totally obstructed his airway. This is the third case of aspiration of a gel candy we have seen in 5 years. Parents should be warned not to give these candies to children younger than 5 years.