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Friday, October 20, 2023

Candies Containing Konjac Gum Recalled Due to Potential Choking Hazard

Tiffany Food Corp of Brooklyn, NY is recalling all codes and flavors of Mini Fruit Jelly Cups, because they may pose a choking hazard. Small jelly cups containing konjac powder have previously been implicated in choking deaths of children. Konjac and its consequent texture and consistency could pose a choking hazard to small children as well as adults with functional and/or anatomic abnormalities predisposing them to dysphagia. The potential choking hazard was confirmed after discussion with a representative from the Food and Drug Administration.

Food Additives Council
https://www.foodingredientfacts.org/facts-on-food-ingredients/sources-of-food-ingredients/konjac-gum/
  • Konjac gum, or konjac flour, is a hydrocolloid (water soluble) dietary fiber derived from the Amorphophallus konjac plant (also known as devil’s tongue) that is used to provide texture, thicken, stabilize, emulsify, and suspend ingredients in foods and beverages. Konjac gum is primarily used as a source of glucomannan, which is a recognized source of dietary fiber.
  • Konjac gum is safe for children in moderation and often used in medicines. However, certain forms of konjac gum have been recalled in certain countries because of the risk of suffocation from consuming large amounts due to its thickening properties. The gum runs a risk of expanding in your throat if you consume too much of it at once. This is why manufacturers adhere to regulations on the amount allowed in foods to ensure product safety.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tiffany-food-corp-recalls-mini-fruit-jelly-cups-because-possible-choking-hazard
Tiffany Food Corp Recalls Mini Fruit Jelly Cups Because of Possible Choking Hazard
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date: October 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May pose a choking hazard
Company Name:  Tiffany Food Corp.
Brand Name:  Tiffany Food Corp.
Product Description: Mini Fruit Jelly Cups in lychee, mango and assorted flavors


Company Announcement

Tiffany Food Corp of Brooklyn, NY is recalling all codes and flavors of Mini Fruit Jelly Cups, because they may pose a choking hazard. Small jelly cups containing konjac powder have previously been implicated in choking deaths of children.

Konjac and its consequent texture and consistency could pose a choking hazard to small children as well as adults with functional and/or anatomic abnormalities predisposing them to dysphagia.

The recalled jelly cups were distributed directly to Supermarkets within Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York State.

The jelly cups are individually sealed and packaged in large clear jars. Below are the products being recalled:
Lychee, 4 714379 320992, 52.9 oz, All lot codes
Mango, 4 714379 321005, 52.9 oz, All lot codes
Assorted, 4 714379 320985, 52.9 oz, All lot codes

No incidents of consumers choking have been reported to date in connection with these products.

The potential choking hazard was confirmed after discussion with a representative from the Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers who have purchased the above products are urged to return them to the store of purchase for a full refund or dispose them in a sealed package inside a secure garbage can with a tight-fitting lid. For more information or inquiries, please contact the company at (347)-628-8588 Monday thru Friday between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm EST.

Mango is not pictured but it is packaged the same as the other flavors with “Mango” prominently displayed on the front.

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