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Fresco World, Inc. Announces Recall of ABC Mini Fruit Bites Candies Due to Choking Hazard

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Sangyoun Lee
          323-930-0342

For Immediate Release

Los Angeles, CA - August 8, 2002 -- Fresco World, Inc. is announcing the recall of approximately 40,000 packages of mini-cup gel candies because they represent a choking hazard. This candy, distributed (Mexico, California and New York State) to retail establishments, is sold under the names of ABC brand, and the label describes the product as MINI FRUIT BITES. The candy comes in small sealed plastic cups that contain gelatin with a chunk of fruit.

These candies contain the ingredient "konjac" (also know 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 at least 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 Assorted Flavor, Mango Flavor, Peach Flavor, Lychee Flavor. Some of the candy bears warning labels, suggesting that THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS FRUIT CHUNKS, MUST BE CHEWED THOROUGHLY BEFORE SWALLOWING. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD.

The FDA contacted Fresco World, 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 U.S. market. These candies are sold under various brand names, distributed by various companies.

The FDA continues to investigate and follow-up this issue.

Fresco World, Inc. urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 323-930-0342.

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Complete list of Konjac candy recalls

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