All You Want Is to Keep Your Children Safe, Healthy, and Growing Well

But when it comes to their diet, things can get confusing. The food choices you make for your children can have a major impact on their health. While some foods may seem harmless, they can actually do more harm than good. It's easy to overlook potential dangers, especially when some products are marketed as "kid-friendly" or "nutritious." The truth is, some of these seemingly safe foods can actually put your child's health at risk.

Before you reach for a snack or meal option, it’s crucial to understand the risks some foods can pose. Being informed helps you make smarter choices and ensures that what your child eats supports their development — not hinders it. Here are 10 dangerous foods you should avoid giving your children, and why it’s important for their health:

1. Avoid Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Feeding children raw or undercooked eggs can expose them to Salmonella, a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness. Although the risk is relatively low — about 1 in 20,000 eggs may be contaminated — the consequences can be severe, especially for young children. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.

Safe Cooking Tips:

Cook eggs until both the white and yolk are firm.
Use pasteurized eggs for recipes requiring raw or lightly cooked eggs.
Store eggs at 4°C (40°F) or below.
Avoid cracked or dirty eggs.
Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw eggs.
Baked dishes should reach an internal temperature of at least 180°C (356°F).

2. Don’t Give Honey to Babies Under 1 Year Old

Honey may contain Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can cause infant botulism — a rare but serious condition. Symptoms include weak crying, poor feeding, constipation, and muscle weakness.

When Is Honey Safe?

After 1 year of age, a child’s digestive system is more mature and better able to handle bacteria. From age 2, honey can be consumed in moderation (no more than 25g or 6 teaspoons of added sugars per day).

3. Avoid Foods That Pose a Choking Hazard

Some fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and sweets are choking hazards, especially for children under 4.

Fruits & Vegetables to Avoid Unless Properly Cut:

Whole corn kernels
Whole cherry tomatoes or grapes
Large chunks of raw carrot or apple
Whole canned fruit pieces
Whole berries, raisins, or dried fruit

Make them safer by: cutting into small pieces and cooking until soft.

Protein Risks:

Whole or chopped nuts and seeds
Large spoonfuls of nut butters
Tough meat or big chunks
Hot dogs or sausages
Cheese sticks or large cheese chunks
Bones in meat or fish

Grain Products:

Hard cookies or granola bars
Chips, pretzels, popcorn
Crackers with whole seeds
Whole grain kernels like barley or wheat

Sweets:

Hard or round candy
Caramel, jelly beans, marshmallows
Chewy fruit snacks
Gum

4. Avoid Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks are a leading source of added sugar in children’s diets and can cause:

Unhealthy weight gain and obesity
Heart disease risk
Tooth decay
Fatty liver
Type 2 diabetes

These drinks provide "empty" calories with no nutritional benefit.

5. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Many parents believe artificially sweetened drinks are healthier — but they aren’t. These non-nutritive sweeteners may change taste preferences and affect gut health. Long-term effects are still unclear.

Tips to Reduce Sugary Drink Intake:

Offer only water and milk to children under 1.
Aim for 6–8 cups of water daily for older children.
Flavor water naturally with fruit slices.
Read labels to check sugar content.
Limit juice and skip sports drinks unless truly necessary.

6. Avoid High-Mercury Fish (e.g., Swordfish)

Fish is great for protein and omega-3s, but some types contain too much mercury, which can harm a child’s developing nervous system.

Avoid:

Shark
Swordfish
King mackerel
Tilefish

Tips:

Check local advisories on fish safety.
Limit portion size for young children.
Choose low-mercury fish like salmon or cod.
Reduce weekly intake if a large amount is eaten in one week.

7. Say No to Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeine isn't recommended for children. It's found in soda, energy drinks, tea, coffee, and even chocolate.

Risks include:

Sleep disturbances
Reduced concentration
Anxiety
Dehydration
Digestive issues
Heart palpitations and high blood pressure
Caffeine dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Recommended limits:

For ages 12–17: under 100 mg/day
For younger children: best to avoid completely

Examples:

Coffee (8 oz): ~100 mg
Black tea (8 oz): ~50 mg
Soda (8 oz): ~25 mg
Energy drinks: 40–250 mg per 8 oz

8. Avoid Processed Meats

Processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs contain nitrates and nitrites. While these additives preserve meat and enhance color, excessive intake may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers in the long run.

9. Avoid Certain Cheeses

Cheese can be healthy, but not all types are safe for young children.

Safe:

Pasteurized full-fat cheeses (e.g., mild cheddar, cottage cheese, cream cheese)
Baked soft cheeses (e.g., baked brie)