FDA ANNOUNCES A RECALL BY WALONG MARKETING, INC. OF MINI JELLY SNACK CUPS CANDIES DUE TO CHOKING HAZARD

Spanish version

The FDA is announcing the recall by Walong Marketing, Inc., Buena Park, California of “Mini Jelly Snack Cups” because this product presents a choking hazard. These candies are distributed nationwide and internationally under the brands Kimbo, Asian Taste, Jin Jin and Shen Hsiang Jen Foods. The candies are packaged in small sealed plastic cups.

These candies contain the ingredient "konjac" (also known as conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan). The Consumer Product Safety Commission staff and the Food and Drug Administration consider this type of candy to pose a serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children and the elderly. Local authorities have reported six children’s deaths from choking in the United States associated with this type of jelly candy. There have also been reports of deaths in other countries.

Each mini Jelly cup is about the size of a single size coffee creamer. The Kimbo Lychee Flavor Jelly is sold in plastic bags containing about 18 cups. The Asian Taste-Konnyaku Fruit Jelly (Lychee Flavor) is sold in 1500 gram plastic jars containing about 105 cups. Jin Jin Tropical Mix Fruit is sold in 1500 gram plastic jars containing about 105 cups. Sheng Hsiang Jen Food Co Mini Fruity Gels (Peach, Lychee, and assorted flavors) are sold in plastic jars.

Walong Marketing, Inc., has requested recall through distributors and retailers to consumers. Consumers are urged to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 714-670-8899.

In August and October 2001, the FDA issued general warnings against consuming mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient “konjac”. In December 2001 and January 2002 two other firms recalled gel candies. Although the agency issued an import alert to address importation of these candies in October 2001, candies imported prior to the import alert are still in the US market.

These candies are sold under various brand names, distributed by various companies. The FDA continues to investigate and follow-up this issue.

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Complete list of Konjac candy recalls

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