There is a choking risk with these tyoe of candies.. here is a warning from the FDA on a similar product
FDA Again Warns of Choking Risk with 'Konjac' Gel Candies
Published Aug 23, 2008
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a second warning and announcing an import alert concerning mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient "konjac" (also known as conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan). FDA decided a second warning was warranted (the first was issued on August 17, 2001) after consultation with experts on choking from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC confirmed that these candies pose a serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children and the elderly. In addition, the agency has issued an import alert to address the importation of these candies from other countries.
These multi-fruit-flavored candies are typically packaged as individual, mouth-sized servings, and often feature an embedded piece of preserved fruit. Unlike gelatin products commonly found in the U.S., these candies do not readily dissolve when placed in the mouth.
"The public needs to be aware that these candies pose a choking hazard, said Bernard A. Schwetz, D.V.M., Ph.D, FDA's Acting Principal Deputy Commissioner. "We hope to prevent any more of these products from getting into the country, but in the meantime, people need to beware of konjac mini-cup gel candies that may still be in the marketplace."
FDA continues to investigate this matter. For more specific information, see the Import Alert #33-15 at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia3315.html.
Dear George,
I was aware of that FDA warning long before I wrote this article. I asked the Gummy Owls people about it, and this is their reply:
"Regarding FDA action on konjac fiber (glucomannan), when we started developing Gummy Owls (almost three years ago), we were aware of 2001-2003 FDA recalls of glucomannan jelly mini-cups. According to FDA documents, the choking hazard of these products had been due to their shape (dome shape), slipperiness (because of a thin surface layer of water), rubberiness (because of the jelly texture), and no dissolvability in the mouth. Gummy Owls are not jelly mini-cups, but rather similar in shape to the ubiquitous “gummy bear,” as you have seen. Furthermore, our in-house lab studies show that Gummy Owls are not slippery, not rubbery, and dissolve easily in the mouth."
David
David
Thank you.
My understanding is the problem is the glucomannan itself, which expands in the esophagus and causes the choking. The very quality that makes it so useful in controlling appetite (expansion in the gut) is the quality that causes choking (expansion in the esophagus) The other qualities you mention ( their shape, slipperiness , rubberiness , and no dissolvability in the mouth) just help get it down
As I understand it , the danger is mostly children, three died of the earlier candy (1)
In the Canadian recall (2) the minister of health pointed out that it was the glucomannan that was the problem "There are some products on the market which do not contain Konjac and these products are not a part of the recall order."
I can see that it poses little or no harm to adults who heed the warning and take only three per serving, but I see nothing that would prevent a kid from eating too many and suffering the same fate as the earlier candy caused
But, I'm open to correction... perhaps the makers of owl candy could tell us why it is these other qualities, and not the expansion of the glucomannan itself that is the problem
regards
G
1) http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2001/11/20/jellycuprecall_011120.html
2) http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards/recall-of-mini-cup-jellies-choking-hazard
I was glad to find an opinion article about them because I had seen them in Candy Industry magazine, and was interested in getting them for my mother since she's dieting. When I went to order them I could not get the code to work, no matter what I tried. I attempted to contact them to ask if it was disabled because of their buy-two-get-one-free sale, but it wouldn't send my question, just kept telling me I had skipped a required field despite the fact that I had everything filled out. I was frustrated enough that I just gave up on them.
Dear Marron,
We apologize for the inconvenience, and we thank you for bringing it to our attention. When our offices reopen on Tuesday, May 29, we will immediately investigate the issue and follow up with you.
If you have questions, please call Green Forest Nutrition Customer Service toll-free 855-GUMMYOWLS (486-6969), Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm Pacific Time.
We wish you and everyone a happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Sincerely,
Green Forest Nutrition Customer Service
Dear Marron,
Following up on the above issue, we are working to fix it. In the meantime, to receive $10 off your order, please call Green Forest Nutrition Customer Service toll-free 855-GUMMYOWLS (486-6969), Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm Pacific Time, and a customer service representative will be happy to place your order and apply that discount.
Sincerely,
Green Forest Nutrition Customer Service
I was very interested in your article on Gummy Owls, and the science you explained makes sense, and I would like help in losing weight. However, I found the cost of Gummy Owls pretty high. There are konjac supplements (like this one
Konjac Root Fiber Dense Glucomannan) available at a much cheaper rate. Do you know if they work the same? I know they would not taste as good!
Just placed an order and it would NOT accept the coupon code as listed in your article! I am disappointed with the company and expressed this to them with the order. I did a copy/paste from your article so i know that it was correct! Does not speak well for the company!
Dear Ritaindy,
We've just typed in the coupon code and confirmed it works.
We will apply the coupon code to your order, so that you receive the discount.
If you have any questions, please call Green Forest Nutrition Customer Service toll-free 855-GUMMYOWLS (486-6969), Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm Pacific Time.
Sincerely,
Green Forest Nutrition Customer Service
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Speaking of Amorphophallus konjac, I am constantly bombarded with commercials for a product named Lipozene. 2 capsules purportedly contain 1500mg of the stuff.
While I've tried shirataki noodles (which are made from konjac flour), I have not tried Lipozene.
Personally, my tastebuds can't stand stevia, so I wouldn't spend the amount of money they want for GummiOwls just to find out I have to return them to get a refund. Too much hassle.