TOKYO, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Emergency services in Japan said nine people have died in recent days from choking on mochi rice cakes, a popular New Year's delicacy.
Officials said nine people died during the holidays as a result of choking on the pounded rice cakes, compared to four people during last year's holiday season and two the previous year.
The cakes were also blamed for 128 people receiving medical attention during the New Year's holiday and 13 people being hospitalized in serious condition.
The National Police Agency and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said the cakes pose the most risk to the elderly, who have more trouble swallowing the sticky treats.
The Tokyo Police Department has a special website set up to educate members of the public on how to assist people they see choking on mochi.
Fukunao Medical Foods of Osaka announced just prior to the new year it has developed a safer version of mochi using enzymes that make the sticky rice cakes break up more easily during swallowing.
The purportedly safer version did not hit the market in time for this year's celebrations, but will be available prior to the next holiday season, the company said.
