A lawsuit filed on December 28 in Philadelphia alleges a 3-year-old girl, Amelie Parades Sotelo, suffered irreversible brain damage and spastic quadriplegia after choking on a Candy Land Gummy Dot. The incident occurred on December 13, 2022.
Attorney Thomas Bosworth, representing the girl and her family, stated the candy caused permanent disabilities, leaving Amelie unable to speak, swallow, or move. He described the candies as a “ticking time bomb” and is seeking justice for the severe injuries sustained.
The lawsuit targets Frankford Candy & Chocolate Co., Inc., Frankford Candy LLC, and Hasbro, Inc. for product liability, failure to warn, negligence, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It claims the Candy Land Gummy Dot was defectively designed, contributing to the tragedy.
Court documents emphasize the candy’s packaging and design, featuring colorful visuals and Candy Land insignia, which were allegedly used to attract children. The family accuses the companies of recklessly marketing a product that posed a serious risk to children.