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Korean Farm Announces Recall of Assi Brand Candies Due to Choking Hazard

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Kyu Kwak
          562-789-9988

For Immediate Release

February 10, 2002 -- Korean Farm is announcing the recall of mini-cup gel candies because they represent a choking hazard. This candy was distributed in California, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, Arkansas, Utah, Maryland, and South Dakota to Korean and Asian Markets. It is sold under the name of Assi, and the label describes the product as "mini fruity gels." The candy comes in small sealed plastic cups that contain gelatin (with or without a chunk of fruit). Product is identified as being imported by: Rhee Bros., Inc., Columbia, MD 21046 and Korean Farm Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA 80870.

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 1500g plastic jar. The flavors sold are Lychee, Mango, and Assorted. Some of the candy bears warning labels, suggesting "Caution: this product contains fruit chunk. Must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Not recommended for children under 3 years old!" All of the product is under recall.

Korean Farm 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.

Korean Farm urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 562-7789-9988.

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Complete list of Konjac candy recalls

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-FEB-11.