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When packaged food gifts turn deadly for children in Tanzania

What you need to know:
- The snacks often contain miniature toys such as balls, toy guns, small cars, or dolls, sometimes with other play items.
Dar es Salaam. Children under five are facing new health threats with the rise of packaged snacks containing small “gifts” sold informally in shops, on the streets, and even in schools.
Some have suffered grave consequences, including deaths linked to the toys blocking airways, noses, or ears.
The snacks often contain miniature toys such as balls, toy guns, small cars, or dolls, sometimes with other play items.
According to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), three children have already died after accidentally swallowing the plastic gifts hidden in the food packets.
Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Saturday, August 16, 2025, a paediatric intensive care specialist, Dr Namala Mkopi, said the hospital had received five such cases in eight months, three of which ended in death.
“Some children arrive when the toys are already lodged in their airways, and at times, we cannot save them. Others are brought in exhausted and collapse before treatment begins. Often, it is hard to know exactly what they swallowed. Not all reach us in time, and some families never learn what caused the tragedy,” said Dr Mkopi.
He explained that a child may eat the snack and swallow the toy later, stressing prevention and urged parents to be vigilant before such harm occurs.
Parents speak out
One affected parent and a resident of Mtoni kwa Aziz Ally, Iddi Ahmad, recalled how his child nearly died after swallowing a toy hidden in a snack.
The incident happened at around 11 am when his child, after eating the snack and drinking juice at school, began choking.
“They rushed him to a nearby clinic, but nothing could be done. He was later taken to Temeke Hospital, where again it was unsuccessful. They put him on oxygen and transferred him by ambulance to the Muhimbili National Hospital for specialised care,” said Mr Ahmad.
“After further examinations, the doctors managed to remove the plastic object. I strongly advise parents to be extra careful with these snacks on the market.
Some contain small bags, and when you open them, you find toys. Parents must be watchful,” he added.
Dr Mkopi confirmed the boy was admitted to Muhimbili after receiving emergency care at Temeke Hospital, which saved his life.
“On August 15, 2025 (Yesterday), we received a child who had swallowed one of these plastic toys packaged inside children’s snacks. This happens frequently. Fortunately, his life was saved because of swift intervention at Temeke before referral here,” he said.
He stressed that prevention is vital, and children should not be left unsupervised with such products. He also advised parents and guardians on what to do if they suspect a child has swallowed a foreign object.
“Rush the child to the hospital immediately, and avoid wasting time at small clinics or dispensaries. It is crucial to go to a hospital with the capacity to admit and provide advanced care,” he said.
“Smaller facilities often lack equipment and specialists, and every second matters. A child may urgently need oxygen to survive. Any delay increases the risk of death,” warned Dr Mkopi.
Parents’ reactions
This is not the first case. Muhimbili and other hospitals often receive children rushed in after swallowing or inserting foreign objects.
“I will never forget the day my child pushed one of those toys up his nose. He had to undergo surgery at the hospital. I cannot stand those things anymore,” said a parent who identified herself as Winarix.
Other parents have urged the government to ban the practice altogether.
“The government should prohibit these so-called ‘gift packs’. Just recently, my child bought one and found a tiny plastic disc and another shaped like a flag. Why put such small items inside? Even as toys, they are too dangerous. The practice should be banned,” said another parent.
Lucy Malengo added, “Yes, these toys are inside snack packs. Some are very small and even have sharp edges. They are truly hazardous.”
Winarix echoed the concerns: “It is the government that must act. These toys are far too small, making them a real threat to children’s lives.”