Mini jelly cups containing konjac are a choking hazard and are banned from sale in Australia.
About mini jelly cups
Mini jelly cups are small jellies no more than 45 mm high or wide, often sold in multi-packs. The jellies are designed for consumers to suck the jelly out of the cup.
About konjac
Konjac is a binding food additive that comes from the root of the konnyaku plant. Konjac is also known as:
- glucomannan
- conjac
- konnyaku
- konjonac
- taro powder
- yam flour.
Risks and injuries
Konjac does not dissolve easily when eaten, so if a jelly lodges in a person's throat, it can act as a plug that cuts off air supply. People have died after choking on mini jelly cups containing konjac.
Buying tips
- Jelly cups without konjac are available for sale in Australia, and are not dangerous. Check the ingredients labels when purchasing to ensure jelly cups do not contain konjac.
