Mini jelly cups containing konjac

Mini jelly cups containing konjac are small confectionery products often sold in multi-packs. These mouth-sized jelly cups are no more than 45mm in height and width. Mini jelly cups are available in a variety of flavours and may contain a hard centre such as dried fruit.

Konjac is a binding food additive that comes from the root of the konnyaku plant.  When eaten, it does not dissolve easily.  Konjac is also known as:

• glucomannan
• conjac 
• konnyaku 
• konjonac 
• taro powder
• yam flour. 

On this page:

• Hazards
• Ban
• Does this apply to your business?
• Complying with the ban
• Penalties and consequences

Hazards

Choking

If swallowed whole, mini jelly cups that contain konjac can lodge in the throat and restrict air supply.

Ban

Consumer Protection Notice No. 2 of 2004 prescribes requirements of this ban. This ban was declared on 13 April 2004.

The ban applies to all mini jelly cups that:

• contain the binding agent konjac, also known as glucomannan, conjac, konnyaku, konjonac, taro powder and yam flour
• have a height or width smaller than or equal to 45mm.

Importing mini jelly cups that contain konjac and have a height or width smaller than or equal to 45mm is also banned under the Customs Act 1901.

Does this apply to your business?

Under the ACL supply includes:

• in relation to goods - (including re-supply) by way of sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire-purchase and
• in relation to services - provide, grant of confer. 

This ban applies to anyone in the business of mini jelly cups containing konjac, including:

• manufacturers
• importers
• distributors
• retailers
• hirers.

Complying with the ban

For complete information about the ban on mini jelly cups containing konjac, we strongly advise you to read Consumer Protection Notice No. 2 of 2004.

Penalties and consequences

Suppliers can face heavy fines and recalls of non-compliant products if they trade in these banned products. For more details, view Penalties and consequences.