Health Ministry Bans 'Eyeball' Gummy Candy After Student Chokes To Death In Penang
However, the eyeball-shaped gummies are still being sold online for as low as 89 sen each.
By Sadho Ram — 24 Feb 2025, 12:21 PM
Following the death of a 10-year-old boy who choked on a gummy candy last week, the Health Ministry (MOH) banned the sale of eyeball-shaped gummies, citing labelling violations on choking hazards
In a statement issued on Friday, 21 February, MOH said that while the size and shape of food products are generally not regulated under the Food Regulations 1985, 'controlled jelly confectionery' with a diameter of 45mm or less, must be labelled with: "Warning: May Pose A Choking Hazard" and "Not Suitable For Children Under 3 Years Of Age".
According to MOH, an investigation found the eyeball-shaped gummy candy product violated labelling requirements under the Food Regulations 1985 of the Food Act 1983 (Act 281).
"The sale of this product is prohibited on all online platforms and in the domestic market. Enforcement action, including product seizure, will be carried out in accordance with the regulations," it stated.
However, the eyeball-shaped gummies are still being sold online
According to the New Straits Times, the gummies are still widely available on several popular e-commerce platforms, selling for as low as 89 sen per piece as of Saturday, 22 February.
Other chewy candies are also being sold on these platforms, the English daily reported.
The ministry has since ordered two online shopping platforms to remove 86 advertisements promoting eyeball gummies.
MOH also urged parents to monitor their children and exercise caution when selecting food that may pose a choking hazard
"The risk increases when food is not properly chewed or swallowed whole," it said, adding that choking incidents are more common with food that is hard, chewy, small and round.
MOH stressed that children should always consume food under parental or guardian supervision and assured that the ministry will continue food safety monitoring and enforcement efforts.
