Food-imitating moth-balls banned from local markets

The moth-balls are food imitating products, having the appearance, packing and form of sweets with a diameter of around 20mm. They can easily be mistaken for sweets by young children. 

 MCCAA said the product poses a chemical and choking risk, causing partial or complete obstruction of the airway when swallowed leading to suffocation or further complications when digested.

MCCAA warned consumers to refrain from using the product. It also also warned economic operators to remove unsold products from their shelves. “Any person found selling or otherwise placing these products on the market will be liable to legal proceedings,” it added. 

Notification of this banned product has been put on RAPEX by other EU member states. RAPEX - the Community Rapid Information System - was established in order to provide a swift information exchange mechanism between EU Member States and the European Commission, on preventive and restrictive measures taken in relation to consumer products posing a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers.

“This information system is very beneficial as it provides a means of ensuring that unsafe products will not reach retail outlets,” MCCAA said. “It also ensures that when unsafe products are detected, these are withdrawn or recalled.