Instant Cup of Soup: Can Kids Safely Prepare and Carry?

Abstract

Scalds are a common cause of burn injury in children. Instant soup and noodle products have been identified as a common cause of pediatric burn injuries, with both the preparation process and product packaging implicated as predisposing factors. A cohort of children was observed simulating the preparation of a cup of noodle soup to identify steps in the process in which injury was mostly likely to occur. Nineteen percent of participants spilled the simulated soup onto themselves, representing potential burn injuries had the liquid been hot. The upper extremity was the most commonly affected body area and spillage occurred most commonly while the participant was transporting the cup of simulated soup. Targeted caregiver education about the potential dangers to children from instant soup and noodle products and investigation into safer packaging are needed to decrease the risk of these injuries in children.