The European Commission has adopted new measures to suspend the marketing in the EU of jelly mini-cups containing certain food additives derived from seaweed and/or certain gums.
The Commission said the jelly mini-cups are considered a choking risk because of their consistency, shape and form.
“Safety labelling on these products is not enough to protect children’s health,” said David Byrne, commissioner for health and consumer protection. “Removing these products from shop shelves will provide the extra protection needed in all EU countries while we, together with the European Food Safety Authority, evaluate whether or not we might need to amend the legislation authorising the use of additives in jelly mini-cups.”
Jelly mini-cups are marketed in the EU by different manufacturers as a single portion, pre-packaged sweet or confectionery, mainly intended for children. Some member states have already taken measures at national level to temporarily ban the sale of such products.
