Candy manufacturer Twenty Four Six Foods recalled approximately 290,000 units of their Happiness USA Liquid Rolling Candy after a child was seriously injured after choking on the roller ball. If your child suffered injuries from a Happiness USA Liquid Rolling Candy or another roller ball candy brand, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from the manufacturer.
The Dangerous Design
Happiness USA Roller Ball Candy, marketed as a fun and interactive treat for children, consists of a small bottle containing flavored liquid candy. The product’s defining feature—a rolling ball applicator meant to dispense the candy onto the tongue—is precisely what makes it so hazardous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that this rolling ball can easily dislodge, creating a life-threatening choking risk for young children.
This defect has already led to one reported incident where a 7-year-old child choked on the candy, requiring emergency surgery to remove the rolling ball from his throat.
Recalled Happiness USA Liquid Rolling Candies
The recall affects all flavors of the candy that were sold in resealable twist-on bottles. Flavors include:
- Blue Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Green apple
The candies, priced at around $2 per unit, were available at kosher market stores nationwide from January 2018 through July 2023. The product is also identified by the label “Funtime Roller Ball Candy” printed on the front and “Happiness USA” branding on the back.
Immediate Steps for Parents and Caregivers
If you have purchased Happiness USA Liquid Rolling Candy, take immediate action:
- Stop Using the Product: Remove the candy from your home and ensure your children do not consume it. The CPSC has issued a clear warning urging parents to take these products away from children immediately.
- Contact the Manufacturer for a Refund: Reach out to Twenty Four Six Foods at 833-436-1200 or via email at [email protected] to arrange a refund. The company is actively contacting known purchasers to ensure the recalled products are no longer in circulation.
- Report Any Incidents: If your child has experienced an injury or choking incident related to this product, report it to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov. Reporting helps alert other parents and can drive further safety measures.
The Broader Problem: Roller Ball Candies
Happiness USA Liquid Rolling Candy is not the only roller ball candy facing scrutiny. In recent months, the CPSC has announced recalls for other similar products, including Cocco Candy Rolling Candy and Slime Licker Sour Rolling Liquid Candy, which have been linked to fatal and near-fatal choking incidents.
Cocco Candy Rolling Candy
This product, imported by KGR Distribution Corp., was recalled after a tragic incident in which a 7-year-old girl choked and died when the rolling ball became lodged in her throat. Sold in various sour flavors like Strawberry, Tutti Frutti, and Cola, this candy posed the same fatal risk due to its faulty roller ball applicator. The CPSC’s recall involved about 145,800 units sold nationwide, urging consumers to immediately stop use and seek a refund.
Slime Licker Sour Rolling Liquid Candy
This candy, known for its eye-catching packaging under the “Toxic Waste” brand, was recalled due to reports of the roller ball detaching from the container, posing a significant choking hazard. Though no injuries were reported, the CPSC’s recall of approximately 70 million units highlights the widespread availability of these dangerous candies. Slime Licker Sour Rolling Candies were sold at major retailers like Walmart and Five Below.
These recalls emphasize the dangerous design flaw inherent in roller ball candies. Manufacturers often prioritize novelty over safety, resulting in multiple brands being implicated in severe choking incidents. This demonstrates the need for stricter safety standards and vigilant consumer awareness.
Why Recalls Matter: Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Product recalls like these serve a crucial role in protecting consumers, but they also highlight the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for their products. When companies fail to design and market safe products, the consequences can be devastating, especially when children are involved. The legal system provides a pathway for parents to seek justice and compensation when a dangerous product harms their child.
What Can Parents Do if Their Child Has Been Harmed?
For parents whose children have been harmed or put at risk by these or similar products, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential for legal action. Product liability laws exist to protect consumers from dangerous and defective products. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure their products are safe when used as intended, especially when those products are aimed at vulnerable populations like children.
If your child has suffered an injury or a close call due to a roller ball candy product, consider the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if the choking incident seems minor or has passed, it’s crucial to have your child evaluated by a healthcare professional. Choking can cause unseen internal damage that may need further medical treatment.
- Document Everything: Keep all packaging, purchase receipts, and medical records related to the incident. This information can be invaluable if you decide to pursue a legal claim against the manufacturer.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options. They can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages your family has incurred.
Get Justice and Compensation with Wilshire Law Firm
If your child has been harmed by a recalled product like the Happiness USA Liquid Rolling Candy, you deserve justice. At Wilshire Law Firm, we are relentless in our pursuit of accountability from negligent manufacturers. With our powerhouse team of legal professionals, we will fight to ensure your family receives the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact Wilshire Law Firm today at (213) 335-2402 or through our online form for a free consultation. Don’t wait—protect your child’s rights and stand up against unsafe products. Get Justice, Get Paid.
