FDA ANNOUNCES A RECALL BY YOLI, INC. OF MINI JELLY SNACK CUPS

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing a recall by Yoli, Inc., Chicago, Ill. of 3,115 bags of mini jelly candies (or mini-cup gel candy) because these products present a choking hazard. The product is distributed in bags which read in part; "Mi Costenita . . . Gelatinas Coconut Jelly" to retail establishments in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Missippi, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Each mini jelly cup is about the size of single-serve coffee creamer.

These candies contain the ingredient "konjac" (also known as conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan). The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration consider this type of candy to pose a serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children and the elderly. 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.

"FDA is committed to protecting the public from these candies, which clearly present a choking hazard," said Dr. Lester M. Crawford, FDA Deputy Commissioner.

The candies come in 16.7-17 gram individual serving sealed plastic cups that are contained in bags of six. Consumers are urged to return this product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may call Yoli, Inc at 773-434-8290.

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 to detain this candy at the port prior to entry. 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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