Bidrico Fruit Jellys pose choking hazards

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
News Release

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OTTAWA - The public warning issued on December 24, 2008 has been updated to include additional product information.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the various Bidrico fruit jelly products described below, as they pose a choking hazard.

All codes of the following Bidrico Fruit Jelly, product of Vietnam, are affected by this alert:

Three Fish Bidrico
Assorted Flavor Coconut Jelly
1 kg Bear shaped plastic jar
6 92948 03009 8

Rau Câu Bidrico
Assorted Flavours Mixed Fruit Jelly
500 g flexible plastic pouch
8 935051 800571

The above packages contain assorted flavours of mini jelly cups, about the size of coffee creamers, but with rounded edges. These products have been distributed in British Columbia and Alberta.

There have been no choking incidents associated with the consumption of these products.

Over the years there have been reported fatalities associated with the consumption of certain mini-cup jelly products in Canada, United States, Australia and various Asian countries. Depending upon the size, shape and consistency mini-cup jelly products may become lodged in the throat and may be difficult to remove. There are some other mini-cup jelly products on the market that are not affected.

The importer, Seng Fung Distribution & Marketing Ltd., Vancouver BC., is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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