Issued By
  Durham Trading
  Standards Service

UNSAFE SWEETS SOLD IN COUNTY DURHAM

Traders in County Durham are being urged to clear their shelves of mini fruit sweets that could cause a child to choke.

The mini fruit gel sweets, which are subject to a national recall, have been sold in the County.

Now Consumer Services officers from Durham County Council are continuing to visit local businesses to make sure they are taken off the shelves.

Phillip Holman, the County Council's Head of Consumer Services,

said:  "Local businesses are acting quickly in a responsible manner to withdraw these unsafe sweets.

"But as they were definitely on sale locally, we need to be certain that they are removed from sale and kept away from children.

"Those found locally contained a coconut chunk suspended in the gel which may contribute further to the choking hazard," he said.

The sweets - ABC Mini Fruit Bites, New Choice Mini-Fruit Gels and Rolin Mango Jelly Cup - are contained in individual mini pots 3cm in diameter with a sealed foil lid, similar to individual mini pots of milk for tea or coffee.

They may be displayed in foam packs or 1.5kg plastic tubs.

Those found locally were sold under the New Choice brand in various flavours such as strawberry, apple, orange and pineapple.

Councillor Don Ross, Deputy Leader of the County Council, said:  "Everyone is working hard, especially at this time of the year, to make sure that Christmas is a safe and happy time.

"I'd ask all local traders and parents to be vigilant and do all they can to protect children from these sweets."

Note to News Editors: Examples of the sweets found locally are available for photographs.

For further information contact Phillip Holman, Head of Consumer Services, on 0191 383 3391, or Duncan Castling, divisional manager, on 0191 383 3056.