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Grand Western Inc. Announces Recall of Konjac Containing Gel Candies Due to Choking Hazard

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Grand Western Trading, Inc.
          (323) 888-9923

For Immediate Release

February 1, 2002 - Commerce, CA -- Grand Western Food, Commerce, CA, is announcing the recall of jelly cup candies because they represent a choking hazard. This candy, distributed nationwide to retail establishments, is sold under the names of Grand Western and My Love and Hocean and the label describes the product as a jelly cup. The product 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.

The firm is cooperating with FDA and is voluntarily recalling the product.

Each jelly cup is about the size of a single-serve coffee creamer. The jelly cups are in plastic bags or plastic jars. The flavors sold are Lychee, Longen, and Tard. Some of the candy bears warning labels advising of the potential choking hazard, suggesting that children under age five not eat it.

The FDA has issued two previous general warnings against consuming mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient "konjac". Although the agency issued an konjac 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, and distributed by various companies. The FDA continues to investigate and follow-up this issue.

Grand Western urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-323-888-9923.

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Complete list of Konjac candy recalls

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-FEB-14.