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

Yummy Choice Group, LLC Announces Recall of Yummy Choice Brand Mini Fruit Gel Snack Cups Candies Due to Choking Hazard

Contact:  Yummy Choice Group, LLC
          1-800-450-0442
                

For Immediate Release

Yummy Choice Group, LLC Announces Recall of Yummy Choice Brand Mini Fruit Gel Snack Cups Candies Due to Choking Hazard

January 31, 2002 - El Monte, CA -- Yummy Choice Group, LLC is announcing the recall of "Mini Fruit Gel Snack Cups Candies" because this product presents a choking hazard. These candies are distributed nationwide and internationally to retail establishments under the brand name of Yummy Choice. The label describes the product as Fruit Gel Snack. The candies are packaged 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 six 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 mini fruit gel snack cup is about the size of a single-serve coffee creamer. The mini fruit gel snack cups are sold in 250 gram plastic bag containing about 15 cups, 1100 gram plastic jar containing 66 cups, or 1500 gram plastic jar containing 88 cups. The flavors sold are Peach, Strawberry, Mango, Lychee, Orange, and Assorted. Some of the candies bear warning labels, suggesting the product present a choking hazard - that it is not suitable for children under six years old. It also has warning on not to swallow whole; take only in small bites and must be chewed carefully.

The FDA contacted Yummy Choice Group, LLC when it learned that the firm had distributed the mini fruit gel snack cups 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 fruit gel snack cups 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 this issue.

Yummy Choice Group, LLC has requested recall through distributors and retailers to consumers. Yummy Choice Group, LLC also urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at Toll Free number 1-800-450-0442.

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