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Joaly Enterprise Company Announces Recall of Gel Candies Due to a Potential Choking Hazard

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Joaly Enterprise Company
          562-229-9455

For Immediate Release

La Mirada, CA - January 7, 2002 -- Joaly Enterprise Company is announcing the recall of Mini Fruit Jellys all flavors. The recall covers approximately 3,130 cases of 1500g/53oz jars/6 jars per case and 1,824 cases of 300g/10.5 oz cellophane bags/30 bags per case Mini Fruit Jelly because they represent a potential choking hazard. This candy, distributed nationwide to retail establishments, is sold under the names of Joelee, and the label describes the product as a Mini Fruit Jelly. The candy comes in small sealed plastic cups that contain gelatin with a chunk of fruit.

These candies contain the ingredient "konjac" (also known as conjac, konnyakn, 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 mango, assorted fruit and other flavors. The candy bears warning labels, suggesting that it not be eaten by children under age three.

The FDA contacted Joaly Enterprise Company the importer and distributor recalling this product, 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 on this issue.

Joaly Enterprise Company urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (562-229-9455).

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Complete list of Konjac candy recalls

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-JAN-09.