FDA ANNOUNCES A RECALL BY EVERLASTING DISTRIBUTORS, INC OF "ABC" BRAND MINI JELLY SNACK CUPS

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing a recall by Everlasting Distributors, Inc., of Bayonne, N.J., of 1,197 cases of mini jelly candies (or mini-cup gel candy) because these products present a choking hazard. The product is distributed to retail establishments throughout New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia under the "ABC" brand.

The mini jelly candies come in six varieties: Durian Cocode Nut Jelly, Gueiling Gau Cocode Nut Jelly, Peach Cocode Nut Jelly, Taro Cocode Nut Jelly, Lychee Cocode Nut Jelly and Mango Cocode Nut Jelly. Each mini jelly cup is about the size of single-serve coffee creamer. The candies come in 14 oz. bags packed 30 to a case.

These candies contain the ingredient "konjac" (also known as conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan). The Food and Drug Administration 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. 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 urges everyone to avoid consuming these candies, which present a major choking hazard," said Dr. Lester M. Crawford, FDA Deputy Commissioner. Consumers are urged to return this product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may call Everlasting Distributors, Inc., at 201-823-0800.

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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