New alert issued on danger of jelly brands

Jelly Cup products which have been linked with the deaths of 14 children worldwide could still be on shop shelves or in homes…

Jelly Cup products which have been linked with the deaths of 14 children worldwide could still be on shop shelves or in homes, the Food Safety Authority has warned.

The jellies contain a food additive E 425 Konjac which has been identified as a potential choking hazard. The additive expands when combined with water, which can cause the jellies to become lodged in children's mouths.

The Food Safety Authority issued a product recall notice in December but environmental health officers later found some brands still on sale in markets and shops.

The jellies come in small dome-shaped containers with a sealed foil lid, similar to a coffee creamer. Trading names include ABC Mini Fruit Bites; Fuji Coconut Flavor Jelly; New Choice Mini Fruit Gels; Conjac Coconut Jelly; Rolin Mango Jelly Cup.

The Food Safety Authority decided to issue a second product alert yesterday in case products may still be in consumers' homes or in retail outlets, said chief executive Dr Patrick Wall.

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Alison Healy

Alison Healy

Alison Healy is a contributor to The Irish Times