Feb. 9, 2002 – A candy, which has caused death to six children, has been found in the Virgin Islands. Retailers are being warned to remove this potentially deadly candy from their shelves.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs has issued a warning to consumers that Mini Jelly Snack Cups are being recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after being associated with the deaths of six children in the United States alone.
The candy has been found for sale in one store on St. Croix so far, although, according to the store owner, none has been sold. DLCA's compliance officers are currently checking other stores for this particular candy.
Each mini jelly cup, which is about the size of a single coffee creamer, contains a gelatin product with a small chunk of fruit. These cups contain "Konjac" also known as "conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan" which does not dissolve as easily as common gelatin does. It is sold in different fruit flavors and under a variety of names. The candy poses a serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children, and the elderly, according to a release from DLCA.
Retailers who carry this product should take it off the shelves. Consumers who have bought this product should take it back to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For further information contact the division of Consumer Protection Services at 773-2226 on St. Croix or 774-3130 on St. Thomas.
