Choking deaths caused by popular gel candies prompted Safeway, Albertson's, and Costco to remove the fruity snacks from their shelves. Devon Joncich, 3, and Michelle Enrile, 12, died while chewing the gel candies. Typically, the candies are individually packaged, and contain a soft, sweet gel with a piece of fruit in the middle. Because the candy does not dissolve quickly in the mouth, it can lodge in the throats of small children.

At least twelve choking deaths have been associated with the gel candies. The majority of these deaths were reported in Asia, where the candy was introduced in 1995.

The manufacturer of the candies responsible for Devon and Mechelle's deaths, Sheng Hsiang Jen Foods Co., stands by the product.