FindLaw Class Action and Mass Tort Center: Recalls: Food, Drugs and Medical Devices: Richin Trading Inc. Announces Recall of Sun Wave Brand and Don Empire Brand 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.
Richin Trading Inc. Announces Recall of Sun Wave Brand and Don Empire Brand Candies Due to Choking Hazard
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Richin Trading Inc.
(888) 308-8889
For Immediate Release
Richin Trading Inc. Announces Recall of Sun Wave Brand and Don Empire Brand Candies Due to Choking Hazard
February 8, 2002 - Alhambra, CA -- Richin Trading Inc. is announcing the recall
of mini-cup gel candies because they represent a choking hazard. This candy
has been distributed nationwide to retail establishments and distributors. It
is sold under two brands: Sun Wave and Don Empire. The products sold under the
Sun Wave brand may have one or more of the following descriptive labels: (1)
"Mini Fruity Gels", (2) "Mini Fruit Jelly", and (3) "Lichee
Jelly." Products under the Don Empire have only one descriptive label:
(1) "Konnyaku Coconut Jelly Lichee Flavor Jelly Cup" (2) "Lychee
Flavor Jelly." The manufacturer as listed for the Sun Wave brand is Sun
Mark Industrial Corp. The manufacturer as listed for the Don Empire brand is
Don Empire Enterprises Co., Ltd., Changhus City, Taiwan. 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,
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 Sun
Wave Brand jelly cups are in a plastic bag (10.6 oz.), or plastic jar (1500g).
The flavors sold are Lichee, Assorted Fruit, Mango, Peach and Taro. The Don
Empire Brand Lichee Flavor Jelly Cups are in a plastic bag (6 oz. and 10 oz.)
or Little Kid Plastic Jar. The candy bears warning labels stating, "Warning/Choking
Hazard! Do not try to swallow whole! Take only in small sites and must be chewed
carefully, not suitable for children under 5 years old." All of the products
are under recall.
The FDA contacted Richin Trading 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.
Richin Trading Inc. urges all consumers to return this product to the place
of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Customer
Service at the company at (888) 308-8889.
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