Authority warns paper straws are a potential choking hazard? Source: Rodgersm22
The agency raised concerns earlier this year asking consumers to report any problems that they or their families might’ve experienced with paper straws. On Wednesday April 20th the agency said that around 1,300 people responded, and of those 400 said that part of the paper straw had ended up lodged in the throat of their child or someone with special needs.
In most cases the straw piece was easily dislodged by the person concerned by coughing, however in roughly 15 percent of the cases the person need some level of assistance to dislodge the paper.
Part of the problem would seem to be down to the quality of the straw according to the agency with most complaints referring to the straws attached to the drink carton.
Importantly none of the situations involved an actual choking incident or constituted a medical emergency, however the NVWA said it was enough of a concern to issue a formal caution.
A media release by the agency said: “The NVWA advises parents and carers to be careful if young children and people with a disability use a paper straw.
“When they are sucked upon for a long time, parts of the straw can become weak and disintegrate.”
The NVWA added that it is encouraging drink suppliers look at alternatives or to improve paper straw quality. It has also raised the potential choking hazard with the European Commission. In the meantime it has said that parents should not stop using paper straws but that they should be vigilant when used by small children or those with learning and physical difficulties where reusable straws may be asafer option.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Originally from South Africa, Peter is based on the Costa Blanca and is a web reporter for the Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at [email protected]
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Known as the PEOPLE’S PAPER, Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain. And it’s FREE!
Covering the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Almeria, Axarquia, Mallorca and beyond, EWN supports and inspires the individuals, neighbourhoods, and communities we serve, by delivering news with a social conscience. Whether it’s local news in Spain, UK news or international stories, we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home.
With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month, EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain. The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close.
Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP), Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall). All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers. All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE.
© 2022 EWN Media. No part of this website may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Downlaod our media pack in either English or Spanish.