NEWS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Gemini Food Corporation Announces Recall of Jin Jin Mini Cup Gel Candies Due To Choking Hazard

Contact:  Gemini Food Corporation
          909-839-0018
                

For Immediate Release

Gemini Food Corporation Announces Recall of Jin Jin Mini Cup Gel Candies Due To Choking Hazard

February 1, 2002 -- Gemini Food Corporation is announcing the recall of mini-cup gel candies because they represent a choking hazard. This snack, distributed nationwide to retail establishments, is sold under the name of Jin Jin, and the label describes the products as Konjac Coconut Mini Gel Snack. This product also had been previously recalled by Walong on January 15, 2002. 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: Lychee, Mango, Longan, Peach, Taro, Soursop, and assorted fruit flavors. Some of the candy bears warning labels suggesting that not recommended for children under 3 years old.

The FDA had 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.

After the first FDA warning issued in August, 2001, Gemini Food Corporation had voluntarily ceased distributing Jin Jin mini-cup gel candy and mail a letter advising the FDA warning to its customers. The FDA contacted Gemini Food Corporation when it learned that the firm had previously distributed the mini-cup gel candies. The firm is cooperating with the FDA and is voluntarily recalling this product.

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

Gemini Food Corporation urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (909)-839-0018.

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