FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2001
FDA WARNS CONSUMERS ABOUT IMPORTED JELLY CUP TYPE CANDY THAT POSES A POTENTIAL CHOKING HAZARD
The FDA is warning consumers of a potential choking hazard posed by conjac jelly cups imported from Asia. Some of the candy bears warning labels, suggesting that it not be eaten by children or the elderly. Other labels warn of a choking hazard and say to chew the candy thoroughly. Some of the candy is sold with no warning label at all.
Local authorities have reported three childrens' deaths from choking in the United States associated with conjac jelly candy. There have also been reports of deaths in other countries.
The candy is sold in several fruit flavors. It is found in small sealed
plastic cups that may or may not contain a chunk of fruit.
Each jelly cup is about the size of a single-serve coffee creamer.
The candy is sold in retail stores and on the internet and is sold under a variety of names.
FDA continues to investigate this matter.
Broadcast Media: 301-827-3434
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
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VILLAREAL DISTRIBUTORS RECALLS JARRITOS TAMARINDO CANDY IN CLAY POTS BECAUSE OF HEALTH RISKS
San Antonio, Texas - August 17, 2001 -- Villarreal Distributors of San
Antonio, Texas, is recalling over 20,000 candy containing clay pots of
JARRITOS brand Tamarindo candy because the candy has been found to contain
excessive levels
of lead. Lead is very toxic and dangerous to humans, especially children,
women of childbearing age, pregnant women and their unborn children. Although
people with lead in their blood often do not exhibit the symptoms of lead
toxicity, such symptoms include the following: stomach aches, colic, nausea,
vomiting, abnormal irritability, and insomnia. Lead can also permanently
damage the central nervous system, resulting in learning difficulties in
school children as well as cause other long-term health problems.
The JARRITOS brand Tamarindo candy was distributed in IL, OH, WI, NJ,
MI, IA, MO, MN, IN, TN, KY, NE, SC, AL and MD, through retail sites, especially
ethnic markets, stores and bakeries that cater to Latinos. The product
is imported
from Mexico, manufactured by La Barca II Dulceria in Jalisco, Mexico.
The product is sold as 12 candy containing clay pots per labeled package. The label says JARRITOS and Tamarindo 100% Natural with a picture of a boy. Each pot is also individually packaged in an unlabeled clear plastic bag and some retail sites may sell the pots individually. Each pot contains approximately 30 grams of the candy.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Food and Drug Administration that revealed that the candy had levels as high as 4.60 ppm. It is believed the lead has leached from the clay pots into the candy.
Consumers are urged not to consume the product and return any product in their possession to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions should contact Villarreal Distributors at (210) 224-9720.
Contact: Sergio Villarreal 210-224-9720