DfE and FSA Safer Eating Guidelines - Choking Hazard of Popcorn and Marshmallows - do not include in packed lunch please21 May 2026 (by admin) |
Dear Parents and Carers,
The Department for Education (DfE) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) strongly advise early years providers and parents never to give popcorn or marshmallows to children under five years old. These items pose severe choking hazards because they can easily become stuck and block a small child’s airway.
Please do not put any of the below items in your child's lunchbox:
DfE and FSA Safer Eating Guidelines
To minimize the risk of choking and maintain food safety, the UK government outlines specific rules for early years settings:
- Popcorn: Never give popcorn as a snack, as it is a major choking risk and poses a danger of aspiration if breathed into the lungs.
- Marshmallows: Never give marshmallows to young children to eat. Furthermore, they should never be used as part of "messy play" activities, as they can expand and get stuck in the throat.
- Other High-Risk Foods: Early years guidance also restricts whole nuts, whole seeds, raw jelly cubes, and hard sweets for children under five.
Thank you as always for your cooperation.
