FDA ANNOUNCES RECALL OF FUJI BRAND KONJAC JELLY CANDY
DUE TO CHOKING HAZARD

The FDA is announcing recalls from Fuwa Trading Co., El Monte, CA and Oriental Foodbank, Commerce, CA, of 100 cases of mini jelly candies (or mini-cup gel candy) because these products present a choking hazard. The product is distributed to retail establishments in California, Nevada and Arizona under the "Fuji" brand. Flavors include Mango, Lychee, Soursop and Coconut flavors. The candy comes in small sealed plastic cups that contain konjac gelatin with or without a chunk of fruit.

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. The packaging, shape, slipperiness, and consistency endow the mini-gel products with a potential to cause choking.

There have been six children's deaths from choking associated with this type of jelly candy throughout the United States in recent years. There have also been reports of deaths in other countries.

Each jelly cup is about the size of a single-serve coffee creamer. The jelly cups are in 10 oz. plastic bags that are contained in cases of 30 bags each. The candy does not bear any warnings regarding the choking hazard.

Consumers are urged to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Oriental Foodbank at 323-838-0922.

In August and October 2001, the FDA issued general warnings against consuming mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient "konjac." Other firms recalled gel candies. In October 2001, the agency issued an Import Alert. 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.

This type of candy is sold under various brand names and are distributed by various companies. The FDA continues to investigate this issue.

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