Food choking statistics 

Last Updated on: 25th July 2023, 11:48 am

Food choking is a condition when the food enters the windpipe(Trachea) either due to improper chewing or taking a breath during eating, which can result in blockage of the airway and resulting in life-threatening breathing difficulty known as food choking.

Due to its increasing concern and the alarming situation that it might cause, we have decided to put together a complete resource for food choking statistics to have a top-level look at it and increase awareness about it.

Let’s get into it.

  • Hot dogs are 7 times more deadly sharks. 
  • Australia is the most dangerous country for food choking-related fatalities due to having a death rate of 3.7 per 100000 population.
  • Hot dogs are the leading cause of choking-related fatalities in children under 14 years.
  • In the United States, Over 5000 deaths occur every year due to food choking.
  • The odds of dying from food choking are 1 in 2659 in the United States
  • At least one child dies every 5 days by choking on food in the United States.
  • Peanuts are the leading cause of food choking incidents in children under age 5.
  • Food choking is the leading cause of death in children of age 1-3 years.
  • Food choking is more common in males than females.
  • Food choking is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional or accidental deaths in children.
  • The Heimlich maneuver is the most effective first aid method for food choking and has recovered 70-86% of choking victims.
  • Choking rates among infants are 140.4 per 100000 population and decrease gradually by age to 29.9 per 100000 population by the age of 14.
  • 71 % of food choking deaths occur due to meat products.
  • Of all the reported choking cases, 59.5% occur due to food and 31.4% occur due to non-food items.
  • More than 90% of choking incidents occur in children younger than 5 years old, of which 65 % occur in infants younger than 2 years old
  • 47% of the food choking incidents occurred at home.
  • Japan has the highest percentage of food choking incidents due to a higher percentage of older people in the population

Hot dogs: the silent danger

Hot dogs are 7 times more deadly sharks. 

Hot dogs kill 70 people per year while only 10 people die per year from shark attacks. in addition to this, lighting strikes also fall behind the hot dogs by having a death rate of 30 people per year in US.

hot dog fatality

Most dangerous country for choking deaths

Australia is the most dangerous country for food choking-related fatalities due to having a death rate of 3.7 per 100000 population

country fatality

what food causes the most choking deaths

Hot dogs are the leading cause of choking-related fatalities.

This unexpected statistic sheds light on the potential dangers associated with this popular food item and calls for heightened caution when consuming hot dogs, especially among children.

The cylindrical shape, size, and texture of hot dogs pose a significant risk for choking incidents, particularly in younger individuals.

hot dog choking deaths

Their smooth surface and compressible consistency make it easier for pieces to become lodged in the airway, leading to obstruction and potential asphyxiation.

This highlights the need for extra vigilance and preventive measures when serving hot dogs, particularly to children who are more vulnerable to choking.

Peanuts are the leading cause of food choking incidents in children under age 5.

it highlights the specific risk associated with peanuts and underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution when introducing them into a young child’s diet.

The size, shape, and texture of peanuts make them particularly prone to causing choking incidents, especially in young children who may not have developed the necessary chewing and swallowing skills.

peanut causing food choking

Their small and hard nature can pose a significant risk if not properly managed during consumption.

Of all the reported choking cases, 59.5% occur due to food and 31.4% occur due to non-food items.

Food-related choking incidents often involve improperly chewed or swallowed food that becomes lodged in the airway, obstructing breathing.

On the other hand, non-food items can also present choking hazards, especially in young children who have a natural curiosity to explore their surroundings by putting objects into their mouths.

cause of choking injuries

how many die from choking each year

In the United States, Over 5000 deaths occur every year due to food choking. these are followed by 4000 in Japan, 990 in Australia, and 536 in England.

Food choking can have devastating consequences, and these statistics serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that exist.

united states choking deaths

The number of fatalities underscores the importance of understanding the risk factors, implementing safe eating practices, and knowing how to respond in the event of a choking emergency.

To address this significant concern, it is crucial for individuals to be knowledgeable about proper chewing and swallowing techniques.

what are the odds of choking to death on food

The odds of dying from food choking are 1 in 2659 in the United States

This may appear to be a mere numerical representation, but when we pause to contemplate its implications, it becomes profoundly concerning.


Imagine a room filled with thousands of people. Among them, one individual will tragically succumb to a choking incident related to food.

It serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our everyday meals and snacks

choking death statistics

At least one childs dies every 5 days  by choking on food in the United states.

This heartbreaking fact emphasizes the urgency of addressing the issue and implementing preventive measures to protect the lives of young children.

The frequency of these incidents serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers that food choking poses.

choking deaths in childs

It underscores the need for heightened awareness among parents, caregivers, and the community at large.

More than 90% of choking incidents occur in children younger than 5 years old, of which 65 % occur in infants younger than 2 years old

it is an alarming statistic because it reveals that children are at increased risk of choking and need more care.

Food choking is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional or accidental deaths in children.

It is both disheartening and alarming to learn that food choking ranks as the 2nd leading cause of unintentional deaths in children.

This statistic highlights the severity of the issue and the urgent need to address and prevent choking incidents in young children.

leading unintentional injuries


Children, especially those in their early years, are particularly vulnerable to choking due to their limited ability to chew and swallow food properly.

food Choking facts by age

The data shows that the incidence of choking among infants is relatively high, with a rate of 140.4 incidents per 100,000 population.

This emphasizes the vulnerability of infants to choking hazards and the need for heightened vigilance during this critical stage of development.

choking rate by age


As children grow older, the choking rates gradually decline. By the age of 14, the incidence of choking decreases to 29.9 per 100,000 population.

This decline can be attributed to several factors, including improved coordination and motor skills, increased understanding of food textures and swallowing abilities, and greater awareness of potential choking hazards.

Food choking statistics by gender

Interestingly, food choking incidents are more commonly reported among males than females, with a distribution of 87% male and 13% female.

This statistical difference raises intriguing questions about the potential factors contributing to this gender disparity in food choking incidents.
Several factors could help explain this trend.

food choking by gender

Food choking statistics by place of occurrence

47% of the food choking incidents occurred at home.

This striking statistic emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and mindful eating environment even within the comfort of our own households.

place of occurance of choking

Home, a place where we typically feel secure and at ease, can unexpectedly become a setting for potential choking hazards.

The familiarity of our surroundings might inadvertently lead to complacency when it comes to food consumption practices, increasing the risk of choking incidents.

Frequently asked questions

Now that we have discussed the most dangerous food choking statistics, let’s get back to basics and explore some faqs that a lot of people have.

what is food choking?

Food choking is the phenomenon when the food bolus enters the trachea also known as a windpipe.
due to which the airflow is blocked and the person feels difficulty in breathing not breathing at all. this condition is known as food choking.

is food choking fatal?

yes, food choking is fatal, if not taken care of carefully. in fact, according to food choking statistics, it is one of the leading unintentional injuuries deaths causes in united states

Methodology

We collected the Raw data available on various government sites and several research journals and presented it in a more digestible way to increase awareness in the general population.

The data is solely based on third-party sources and didn’t represent the opinions of this website.

Data sources

Jakob miller