American journal of health behavior
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Objectives: In the United States (US), avocado consumption has increased dramatically since the year 2000. Despite media attention concerning injuries resulting from cutting or pitting avocados, such injuries have not been monitored systematically. The current study is the first to estimate the number of people with avocado cutting injuries presenting to US hospital emergency departments. ⋯ The increase in these injuries appears to coincide with increases in per capita avocado consumption. Avocado cutting injuries now constitute nearly 2% of knife-related injuries presenting to US hospital emergency departments. Conclusions: Due to the increase in avocado cutting injuries and the severity of these injuries, more systematic surveillance is needed as well as improved safety measures.