RECALLED GEL CANDIES CONCERN CAC

The Consumer Affairs Commission is concerned by the continued sale of Gel Candy on the local market nearly ten (10) months after the product was recalled from markets in the United States.

The Gel Candies are packaged in individual containers resembling tubs and pose a serious choking hazard, particularly to children and the elderly, as a result of its ‘plug-like shape’ and binding ingredient, Konjack, which does not dissolve in the mouth.

The Commission notes, that this candy has already resulted in the deaths of 21 children and numerous incidence of choking in the US, and as such is issuing this strong warning to all consumers to carefully examine product labels. In this instance parents should look for and be wary of any Gel Candy with Konjac sometimes spelled conjac, which is also known as kanjac, yam flour, glucomannan, konnyaaku and konnyaku.

Konjac candies are typically packaged as individual, mouth-sized servings in several flavour e.g. strawberry, pineapple & grape and are available in large quantities locally from supermarkets, gas stations and street vendors.