FindLaw Class Action and Mass Tort Center: Recalls: Food, Drugs and Medical Devices: Joaly Enterprise Company Announces Recall of Gel Candies Due to a Potential Choking Hazard
NEWS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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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
Joaly Enterprise Company Announces Recall of Gel Candies Due to a Potential Choking Hazard
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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