FDA ISSUES A SECOND WARNING AND AN IMPORT ALERT ABOUT KONJAC MINI-CUP GEL CANDIES THAT POSE CHOKING RISK

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a second warning and announcing an import alert concerning mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient "konjac" (also known as conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan). FDA decided a second warning was warranted (the first was issued on August 17, 2001) after consultation with experts on choking from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC staff confirmed that these candies pose a serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children and the elderly. In addition, the agency has issued an import alert to address the importation of these candies from other countries.

These multi-fruit-flavored candies are typically packaged as individual, mouth-sized servings, and often feature an embedded piece of preserved fruit. Unlike gelatin products commonly found in the U.S., these candies do not readily dissolve when placed in the mouth.

"The public needs to be aware that these candies pose a choking hazard, said Bernard A. Schwetz, D.V.M., Ph.D,
FDA's Acting Principal Deputy Commissioner. "We hope to prevent any more of these products from getting into the country, but in the meantime, people need to beware of konjac mini-cup gel candies that may still be in the marketplace."

FDA continues to investigate this matter. For more specific information, see the Import Alert #33-15 at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia3315.html.

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