Import Alert 33-15

Import Alert # 33-15

Published Date: 06/24/2021

Type: DWPE

"Detention Without Physical Examination of Gel Candies Containing Konjac"

There have been a series of choking deaths as well as near-deaths from choking among children and elderly persons who consumed candies described as "mini-cup jelly products," "mini fruity gels," and other similar names. These candies contain the ingredient Konjac (also called conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan) and are typically packaged in cups as individual, mouth-sized servings, often featuring an embedded piece of preserved fruit. Although the contents look like gelatin products commonly found in the U.S., e.g. "jello," these small cup-like gel candies maintain their product characteristics, i.e. shape, texture, firmness, without melting when placed in the mouth.

On August 17, 2001, CFSAN's Health Hazard Evaluation Board concluded that the packaging, shape, slipperiness, and consistency endow the mini-gel products with a potential to cause choking. CFSAN immediately issued a press release warning consumers of this potential choking hazard.

On August 27, 2001,CFSAN staff met with physiologists from the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and requested their assistance in evaluating the potential choking hazard associated with these gel candies. CPSC's physiologists are familiar with the physiology and anatomy of the airway, the medical literature on choking risks, and the characteristics of objects involved in fatal choking incidents in young children. In a memo dated September 6, 2001, CPSC physiologists concluded that the physical characteristics of the small cup-like candies pose a serious choking risk, particularly in young children.

Since both CFSAN's Health Hazard Evaluation Board and CPSC's physiologists conclude that the physical characteristics of the gel candies result in a serious choking risk, the characteristics that contribute to the hazard are identified below.

Product Size:

Less than or equal to 1.75" in diameter of a cross section of a spherical or near-spherical product or less than or equal to 1.25" in diameter of a cross section of a non-spherical product.

Product Shape:

Spherical, ovoid, ellipsoidal, or having circular cross sections (round-ended, cylindrical, tapered bullet-shapes, etc.).

Product Texture:

Smooth slippery surfaces when placed in the mouth. The gel is slippery and slides along the tongue toward the back of the mouth, affording the consumer poor control over its direction, positioning, and timing/coordination with swallowing, and thus effectively bypassing the teeth.)

Consistency:

Much firmer, and dissolve less readily, than U.S.-type gelatin. Sucking does not easily disrupt the integrity of the product.

Districts may detain without physical examination all mini-cup gel candies containing Konjac from all countries and all manufacturers/shippers.

For questions or issues concerning science, science policy, sample collection, analysis, preparation, or analytical methodology, contact the Office of Regulatory Science at 301 796-6600.

All requests for removal from detention without physical examination should be address to DIOP 301-796-0356.

Mini-cup Gel Candies containing Konjac

(See product characteristics under REASON FOR ALERT)

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to be unfit for food. [Adulteration 402(a)(3)]"

OASIS charge code - FOREIGN OB

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