A product putting young consumers at risk was recently found on the local market and its immediate withdrawal has been ordered by the Malta Standards Authority. This food-imitating product in the form of multi-coloured balls, known as ‘crystal-bolls’, have an initial diameter of 2mm and expand quickly to a diameter of 10mm or more on absorption of water or other liquids. These products can be easily mistaken for sweets by young children and if swallowed can cause the partial or complete obstruction of the airway leading to suffocation or further complications when digested.
MSA was notified of the product through the European Commission’s rapid alert Rapex system. Upon investigating the local market, the product was found and ordered to be removed from the market. MSA warns consumers to refrain from using the product and to return them to the place of purchase. MSA also warns economic operators to remove unsold products from their shelves and return them to their suppliers. Any person caught selling these products will be liable to legal proceedings