Spike in instant noodle burns prompts school holiday warning

Health authorities have warned parents against a popular snack after a spike in the number of children suffering “significant” burns from it.

Health authorities have issued a warning to parents amid an increased number of children suffering scalding burns from instant noodles.

According to experts at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) in Sydney, at least ten children have been treated for injuries from the popular snack in the last month.

The most common injuries were burns to the thighs or genital area, the hospital said, caused by kids accidentally spilling the boiling liquid on themselves while eating from their lap or carrying the noodle container.

Toddlers have also suffered burns by pulling the container down from the kitchen bench or table when set out to cool.

Health authorities have issued a warning over an increase in the number of children suffering burns from instant noodles.

CHW Head of the Burns Unit, Dr Torey Lawrence, said it can take less than a second for the spilt noodles to cause a “significant” burn.

“Boiling water in hot noodle containers can take an hour to cool down to a safe temperature after cooking,” Dr Lawrence said.

“This means accidents like spilling the hot water from instant noodles can cause long-lasting injuries and lifelong scarring for children.”

Food or drink ‘that may be a good temperature for an adult’ can result in a ‘significant burn to a child’.

It’s important for parents to remember, he added, food or drink “that may be a good temperature for an adult” can result in a “significant burn to a child”.

“Children’s skin is comparatively thinner than adults and even a small amount of hot liquid can cause deeper, more extensive, and more severe burns.”

Children should have close adult supervision when consuming hot food and drink, Dr Lawrence said.

“Simple measures such as always having an adult remove the container from the microwave, draining the hot water from the noodles before serving, ensuring children eat noodles at the table instead of on their lap, and using non-stick placemats can make a huge difference,” he advised.