Issued By West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service

FOOD HAZARD WARNING – MINI CUP FRUIT SWEETS

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service is joining forces with the Food Standards Agency to advise children not to buy or eat any of the various brands of mini cup fruit jellies that have been linked to a number of deaths from choking around the world.

The recent death of a child in the UK, which is to be the subject of a future inquest, where a mini cup gel sweet may have been a factor, has once again brought the potential choking hazard posed by these sweets to the fore.

Following the warnings issued in December 2001, Trading Standards Officers visited confectionery wholesalers and retailers throughout West Yorkshire.  Where the products were found they were withdrawn from sale by agreement without the need for any enforcement action.

Further visits will be made by officers to such premises to check that the withdrawal has been effective. Colleagues in Environmental Health Departments of the five West Yorkshire Districts will also be assisting in the withdrawal exercise.

Martin Wood, West Yorkshire’s Chief Trading Standards Officer said,

“I would urge all retailers to check their stock and withdraw these products from sale.  Parents and children need to be alert to the potential choking hazards and not purchase them.  If anyone knows where these products are currently on sale, I would urge them to telephone the Consumer Helpline on 01133 848 848”.

For further information please contact :

Graham Hebblethwaite, Divisional Manager/General Media Contact Tel. 0113 289 8218

Richard Guthrie, Principal Officer Tel: 0113 289 8221

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Attached is a copy of the FSA press release, which has links to pictures of the various brands which have been found on sale.