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All Vegetarian, Inc. Announces Recall of "Saint Jenny" Candies Due to Choking Hazard

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  All Vegetarian Inc.
          (626) 448-5919

For Immediate Release

El Monte, CA , February 12, 2002 -- All Vegetarian Inc is announcing the recall of approximately 10,000 packages of mini-cup gel candies because they represent a choking hazard. This candy, distributed (California, Texas and Hawaii) to retail establishments, is sold under the names of "Saint Jenny", and the label describes the product as "Lichee Flavor Jelly", "Mango flavor Jelly" and "Assorted Flavor Jelly". The candy comes in small sealed plastic cups that contain 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 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 four 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 jelly cup is about the size of a single-serve coffee creamer. The jelly cups are in a plastic bag or plastic jar. The flavors sold are "Lichee Flavor Jelly", "Mango flavor Jelly" and "Assorted Flavor Jelly". Some of the candy bears warning labels, suggesting that Chew thoroughly! Do not swallow whole! Not suitable for children under 3.

The FDA contacted All Vegetarian, Inc when it learned that the firm had distributed the mini-cup gel candies. The firm is cooperating with the FDA and is voluntarily recalling this product.

The FDA has issued two previous general warnings against consuming mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient "Konjac". 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.

All Vegetarian Inc. urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (626) 448-5919.

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Complete list of Konjac candy recalls

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-FEB-12.