ACC has lifted the lid on the number instant noodle-related injuries in New Zealand.
A spokesperson told 1News there were nearly 20 new claims last year and 11 active claims from previous years.
They said that in the last decade, over 200 injuries have been reported, 176 of which were people under the age of 18 and 39 were over the age of 18. Of the 215 injuries, 199 were burns.
It comes after a spate of children suffering noodle-related burns in New South Wales during the recent school holidays.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker told 1News 90% of all injuries are predictable and therefore preventable.
He said there are a number of ways people can avoid burns when cooking and eating instant noodles.
It included draining hot water from the noodles before serving, eating noodles at the table instead of your lap, using non-slip placemats when eating at the table, and when preparing the instant noodles for children, have an adult remove the container from the microwave
He said hot food and drink that may be a good temperature for an adult can cause a significant burn to a child. Whitaker urged people to "have a hmmm before you get stuck in" to avoid unnecessary injuries.
“If we get injured, it doesn’t just affect us – there are flow-on effects for friends, family, workmates, and teammates."
“If we take a few seconds to think about the risks involved in our task and make smart choices, we can be injury-free and keep doing what we love.”
Last week, a major NSW hospital issued a warning after school holidays led to a spike in children suffering scalding burns from instant noodles.
Five children were been referred to The Children's Hospital at Westmead within a week, after they sustained scald burns from instant noodles, Australian Associated Press reported.
Another five were treated for the same reason earlier in September.
According to Safekids Aotearoa, more than five children each week are burned severely enough to be admitted to hospital.
Nearly all burn injuries take place within the home, especially in the kitchen, it said.
"Young children and preschoolers are especially at risk because they are inquisitive, small and their skin is a lot thinner than an adult’s and therefore burn much more easily. Most children affected are under the age of four."
"If you have small children around you while you are cooking, remember they love to reach, so remember to turn pot handles towards the back and block access to the stove. Keep hot foods and drinks away from the edge of the counter."
Starship also said it's a good idea to include older children in cooking activities so parents can teach them to cook safely.
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