FDA ANNOUNCES TWO RECALLS OF JELLY CANDIES DUE TO CHOKING HAZARD

The FDA is announcing two recalls of all flavors of mini jelly candies because these products present a choking hazard. The candies are packaged in small sealed plastic cups. Each mini jelly cup is about the size of a single-serve coffee creamer.

These candies, which contain the ingredient "konjac," are being recalled because the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission staff consider this type of candy to pose a serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children and the elderly. Unlike gelatin products commonly found in the United States, these candies do not readily dissolve when placed in the mouth and their size and other characteristics make them a serious choking hazard. Local authorities in the United States have reported six children's deaths from choking associated with this type of jelly candy. There have also been reports of deaths in other countries.

The first recall is by Golden Country Oriental Food, Chicago, Illinois. These candies were distributed in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, South Dakota, and Kansas. The three brand names include “Don-Empire”; another with no brand name and only Chinese characters and butterflies on the label; and "My Love and Coco.”

The 16.5-17 gram individual serving cups are packaged in 300-gram plastic bags with 30 bags per case, 510 gram plastic panda bear shaped jars with 12 jars per case, and 1200 gram round plastic jars with 6 jars per case. Golden Country Oriental Food has requested a recall through its distributors and retailers to consumers, who are urged to return this product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 773-847-1700.

The second recall is by Five Continents Ltd., Chicago, Illinois. These candies were distributed in Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri, Texas, Iowa, New Jersey, Kansas and South Dakota. The brand name is ABC brand Konjac Coconut Jelly Mini Fruit Bites Candy.

The 16.5-17 gram individual serving cups are packaged in 300-gram plastic bags with 30 bags per case and 1500 gram plastic round and panda bear-shaped with 6 jars per case. Consumers are urged to return this product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 773-927-0100.

In August and October 2001, the FDA issued general warnings against consuming mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient "konjac." Numerous other firms have recalled these gel candies. In October 2001, the agency issued an Import Alert to prevent these kinds of candies from entering the country. Import Alerts identify problem commodities and communicate guidance to FDA field offices and the importing community for detention of products that appear to be in violation of the law. However, candies imported prior to the import alert are still in the US market.

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

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