FindLaw Class Action and Mass Tort Center: Recalls: Food, Drugs and Medical Devices: All Vegetarian, Inc. Announces Recall of "Saint Jenny" Candies Due to Choking Hazard
NEWS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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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
All Vegetarian, Inc. Announces Recall of "Saint Jenny" Candies Due to Choking Hazard
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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