FindLaw Class Action and Mass Tort Center: Recalls: Food, Drugs and Medical Devices: Grand Western Inc. Announces Recall of Konjac Containing Gel Candies Due to Choking Hazard
NEWS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
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
Grand Western Inc. Announces Recall of Konjac Containing Gel Candies Due to Choking Hazard
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.
###
| 
