Parents have been issued a warning over Cadbury Mini Eggs, which experts have said are the “perfect” size to block a small child’s airway.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust has warned the Easter treats are a serious choking hazard.
It warned that their hard shell can make it difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques.
In a statement on social media, the charity wrote: “It’s that time of year again when mini eggs are lining the supermarket shelves.
“But, did you know that, just like grapes, they are the perfect size to block a small child’s airway and choke them?”
It added: “With whole grapes, we advise cutting them in half lengthways and ideally into quarters to create thin strips.
“But chopping up mini eggs isn’t as easy. So, what can you do?”
Being the second most popular snack at Easter after Cadbury’s Crème Egg, according to Retail Data Partnership, it is no surprise that youngsters go crazy for them.
The trust suggested that parents either hide the mini eggs from their children, put them in a sealable plastic bag and smash them into small pieces with a rolling pin, crush them in a pestle and mortar, or simply opt for a different treat.
It continued: “Larger, hollow eggs are much safer for little ones.”
This year, sweet-toothed shoppers were treated to a new twist on the much-loved Easter treat. Orange-flavoured mini eggs have been spotted at convenience chain One Stop and supermarket Tesco.
And at the end of 2020, Cadbury introduced the Cadbury Mini Eggs Bar to the shelves, which has been a hit ever since.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust said that these new products will only tempt children more, increasing the risk of a choking accident.
On all mini egg packets, there is a minimum age, but many miss the wording as they dig into the chocolate.
The packet states that the chocolate should not be consumed by children under the age of four.
Cadbury has been contacted for comment.
