Boy Still Recovering After Grape Nearly Kills Him

Jen Chaney — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:32:00 GMT

We've all heard that certain foods, including grapes, can be potentially hazardous to feed to young children. Sadly, a California family found out the hard way just how unsafe they can be.

This story in the San Jose Mercury-News explores the difficult recovery still facing Judea Farrow, a 22-month-old who was clinically dead for more than 15 minutes after a grape, fed to him by a daycare center employee, got lodged in his throat. An emergency worker eventually was able to pull out the grape, saving the young boy's life. But he has since suffered some brain damage: He is unable to walk, swallow, smile or speak, but his parents remain hopeful that he'll slowly get closer to normal functioning.

It's a sobering reminder that certain foods present particular choking hazards, especially if they aren't served in appropriately small portions. The Mercury News mentions hot dogs, popcorn and bay leaves, in addition to grapes. This 2007 article from Consumer Reports lists others to look out for, as well as guidelines to follow to make sure your kids swallow safely.

We tend to pay close attention every time a toy gets recalled for being a choking hazard, and for good reason. But the truth is that our kids are more likely to choke on a piece of food, something we sometimes tend to forget. Here's hoping we all remember, and that Judea Farrow's story eventually has a happy ending.

Strollerderby : Judea Farrow

Boy Still Recovering After Grape Nearly Kills Him