Half of Rice Cake Choking Deaths Occur in January
Consumer Agency and Fire Authorities Urge Caution
The Japanese government and fire authorities have urged caution regarding choking accidents involving rice cakes among the elderly, which increase during the winter season. This is due to rice cakes frequently appearing on dining tables during the year-end and New Year holidays in Japan. It is known that nearly 4,000 people die each year from choking while eating rice cakes. In particular, choking incidents among those aged 65 and older have been reported to concentrate in December and January.
On the 28th, the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency issued a column warning that choking accidents caused by rice cakes among the elderly frequently occur in winter and urged caution. Citing statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Consumer Affairs Agency stated that in 2021, the number of deaths from "other accidental choking" due to "airway obstruction caused by food" was 4,696. They emphasized that "more than 90% of these, 4,297 people, were elderly aged 65 and over."
According to the Consumer Affairs Agency's own analysis based on statistics, 43% of choking deaths caused by rice cakes among those aged 65 and older occur in January. Among these, incidents are especially frequent on January 1. Additionally, the number of male deaths was 2.6 times higher than that of female deaths.
In fact, in January this year, the Tokyo Fire Department announced that during the New Year holiday period from January 1 to 3, nine people aged between 28 and 93 were transported to hospitals in Tokyo due to choking accidents caused by rice cakes. Except for one person in their 20s, all were elderly aged 60 and above. Five men and women in their 60s to 90s were transported in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest, and a woman in her 90s died during transport.
For the elderly, the risk of choking on rice cakes is higher because aging weakens chewing and swallowing abilities. Therefore, fire authorities and the Consumer Affairs Agency are focusing on spreading awareness about prevention methods and how to respond.
An illustration by the Consumer Agency informing emergency measures for elderly choking accidents. (Photo by Consumer Agency)
The Japanese Fire Department advises that if a choking accident occurs, first check if the person can cough or vomit, then immediately call 119. Until emergency responders arrive, continue firmly patting the person's back to help expel the rice cake. If choking persists, perform strong abdominal thrusts. However, the Fire Department repeatedly emphasized that "most choking accidents among the elderly cannot be resolved without medical instruments even after emergency measures, so prevention is crucial."
The Consumer Affairs Agency stated that to prevent choking, rice cakes should be cut into pieces smaller than 2 cm and eaten slowly. They also added that since choking is more likely when the throat is dry, one should drink tea or soup right before eating to moisten the throat.
Additionally, they urged people to eat while sitting on a chair rather than on the floor, as sitting on the floor can cause a hunched posture that makes swallowing difficult. They also advised against eating while watching TV or similar distractions.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
