The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has started an investigation into the choking hazard caused by paper straws. The supervisor received three reports from parents of young children who nearly choked to death after sucking on a paper straw.
Paper straws soften when sucked. Then parts of that straw can come off and end up in the throat like a plug.
The NVWA now calls on parents to report if their children have ever had to deal with these kinds of problems. In this way, the supervisor wants to get an idea of the possible risks. In addition, parents are advised to let children up to 3 years only use a paper straw under supervision.
Since July last year, the European Union has banned disposable plastic items such as straws, cutlery, plates, cotton swabs and balloon sticks. Alternatively, paper is used.
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