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Article Perth Toddler’s Tragic Death Sparks Call For Change

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A heartbroken Perth dad is calling for warning labels on a common fruit, after watching his son die after choking on a grape.

Brian Bwoga and his two sons were on a mother’s group trip to the beach in January this year, when his 22 month-old Zaire, also known as ZaZa, was given a whole grape by another child.

“I was on the beach and we had just come in from swimming,” Brian told 9News.

“I was (watching him) like a hawk playing near the water. He was fine, and then he suddenly started choking. I come from a background of being a chef, so I’m always one of those parents who cut up everything.

“But he was playing with his friend, and his friend just shared the grape and that was it.”

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The distraught father began CPR on Zaire, as his other son looked on. An ambulance was called, but the little boy couldn’t be revived.

“It all happened so quickly. Literally, within five minutes, my son was dead,” Brain said. “He died in my arms.”

Brian has since started a petition calling on supermarkets to consider putting signs and choking hazard warning signs on grapes, similar to those on other items.

“As a family we witnessed a traumatic incident that we are going to carry forever. Statistics show this is one of the top choking hazards in children under the age of four. 4800 kids die each year 4 and under. LET’S MAKE EVERYONE AWARE,” Brian wrote.

“Warning labels or a sign when purchasing grapes is a fairly simple thing. In regards to cost, a sign placed where shoppers can see when they select their grapes is a one-time expense that can last several years. It’s a small price for public awareness;

“It’s a priceless service if it saves a life. Ideally we would like supermarkets and big chains to consider putting some choking hazard warning labels on [grapes], just like they do on toys and other things.”

Authorities warn that anything smaller than a 20-cent coin is a choking hazard for babies and young children, including grapes, sausages and marshmallows.

 

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  • So very tragic !
    And the sad thing was that the dad was aware of the dangers of grapes for our little ones and very cautious, but that the grape was shared by a wee friend

    Reply

  • This is utterly heartbreaking and absolutely terrifies me. I always cut my kids grapes in fear that this could happen.

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  • No words for the loss, just heartbreak for the family.
    I completely understand the importance of cutting grapes, and any fruit to a small manageable size. Even apple we part boil to make it soft and pliable for the few teeth they have as even an apple bite is hard to swallow for under 3

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  • Shocking loss but I must say that its common sense anything going in a child’s mouth is a chocking hazard and we should respect the suffering family on their loss and not to seek mileage out of what is already common sense.

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  • Such a gorgeous little boy. I’m so sorry for your loss. I agree with putting a warning sign on the fruit. I wouldn’t have thought about cutting a grape in half and I don’t think many others would have done either.

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  • A Beautiful boy and a heartbreaking loss.

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  • I know now that I shuld cut grapes but I didn’t when my children were young and I was lucky. They should definitely have signs up for those that are unaware. I see so many kids picking at grape bunches in the supermarket.

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  • So sad. To witness your child die is so tragic. I hope they recover in time.

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  • That’s heartbreaking as a parent to lose your child in any way

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  • This is a moderate request, but I don’t think signage would have prevented this tragedy. Condolences.

    Reply

  • What a tragedy. Condolences to the family. Awful how a simple grape can cost a life.

    Reply

  • How terribly sad and tragic. Warning signs would be great as so many new parents are still unaware that grapes can kill.

    Reply

  • Oh this is heartbreaking, far too sad. An important wakeup call for anyone reading including myself!

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  • This is so sad

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  • Oh this poor family. I think these things just need to be made more public as so many people have no idea that grapes are an issue.

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  • This is so sad. Can’t stop at grapes though. We need chocking hazard signs on things like popcorn, nuts etc

    • I’ve read that popcorn is one of the worst for choking in children and that they shouldn’t eat it until at least 4 years old, but again it’s not something that’s commonly known.

      • We are particularly careful with popcorn and similar foods.

    Reply

  • This is so sad. Heartfelt condolences to the family.

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  • Condolences to the family. The father is right we should all be made aware as I have just become a first time Grandmother and it hadn’t occurred to me and we eat grapes all the time.

    Reply

  • It’s extra sad that the dad was aware and cautious. The grape was simply given by another child

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  • Poor thing. That would be so horrible :(

    Reply
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