The Ricky Joy company has initiated a significant recall affecting more than 2.3 million bottles of its Sour Crush rolling liquid candy. The recall stems from a potential choking hazard associated with the product's applicator, a risk identified and announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This widespread action impacts candy that has been sold at major national retailers, including prominent online platforms.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the primary concern lies with the unique dispensing mechanism of the Sour Crush candy. The product utilizes a rolling ball, similar to those found in roll-on lip gloss products, to dispense the liquid candy. However, the commission has determined that this rolling ball can detach from its packaging during use. Should the ball become dislodged, it presents a significant choking hazard, particularly for children who are the primary consumers of such candies. The company is acting proactively to address this safety concern following the commission's findings.
While the recall focuses specifically on the physical applicator, the candy itself is not affected by any issues related to its ingredients or quality. Despite the candy being safe to consume, the Ricky Joy company strongly encourages all consumers who possess the product to immediately stop using it. This recommendation is a precautionary measure to prevent any incidents related to the detachable rolling ball.
Residents in Lima, Allen County, and across West Central Ohio may have purchased the recalled Sour Crush rolling liquid candy, as it was widely available through national retail channels. The product was sold at major outlets, including H-E-B, and was also accessible through Walmart.com, ensuring a broad distribution across the country. The sales period for these affected bottles was extensive, beginning in January 2023 and continuing through May 2026. This prolonged sales window means many families may currently have the recalled product in their homes. Individual bottles of the Sour Crush candy typically retailed for about $3, while larger multi-packs were sold for prices ranging between $13 and $32, depending on the specific retailer and package size.
To facilitate the recall process and ensure consumer safety, the Ricky Joy company is providing full refunds for the affected products. Consumers who have purchased the Sour Crush rolling liquid candy are advised to contact the company to arrange for a return. Ricky Joy has committed to making this process as straightforward as possible by supplying consumers with a prepaid shipping label. This allows customers to return the potentially hazardous candy without incurring any additional costs, ensuring a smooth process for receiving their refund.
Both the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Ricky Joy company underscore the importance of discontinuing the use of the Sour Crush candy bottles immediately. The primary objective of this recall is to mitigate the risk of choking posed by the detachable rolling ball applicator. Consumers are urged to prioritize safety by adhering to the recall instructions and taking advantage of the refund process for any purchased bottles.