MDA Issues Hanukkah Warning Over Choking and Burn Hazards of Sufganiyot
Magen David Adom warns that sufganiyot pose serious choking and burn risks ahead of Hanukkah, urging the public to cut pastries into small pieces and supervise children.
As the Hanukkah holiday approaches, traditional sufganiyot have already appeared on bakery shelves, prompting Magen David Adom to issue a safety warning regarding the hidden choking hazards they present. MDA Chief Paramedic Dr. Shafir Botner notes that emergency crews respond to numerous choking incidents annually caused by foreign objects blocking airways, with holiday pastries posing a significant risk.
According to medical officials, the dense and doughy texture of sufganiyot can easily form a sticky mass when large bites are taken, specifically threatening vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with swallowing disorders. Authorities recommend cutting the pastries into small pieces and maintaining constant supervision while children eat.
In the event of an airway obstruction where the victim cannot cough or breathe, bystanders must immediately contact emergency services and follow dispatcher instructions for resuscitation. Additionally, experts warn of severe burn risks associated with hot oil during home preparation and caution that boiling jam fillings inside freshly fried sufganiyot can cause serious oral injuries if not allowed to cool properly.
