The ACCC recently conducted surveillance against the ban on mini jelly cups containing konjac (also known as glucomannan, conjac, konnyaku, konjonac, taro powder and yam flour), having a height or width of less than or equal to 45mm.
One hundred product lines were inspected across 79 bricks and mortar retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. The following products were found to be non-compliant and have been recalled:
- STRONG - XZL 495G Lactate Jelly
- STRONG - Lactate Calclum Jelly
- TRIKO - Fibrous Juice Jelly (grape, peach, mango flavours)
- DR. Q - Konjac Fruit Jelly (mango, lychee, grape flavours)
- Sheng Xiang Zhen - Assorted Flavour Fruity Coconut Jelly
- NEW CHOICE - Assorted Flavour Mini Fruity Gels
Konjac is a binding food additive that comes from the root of the konnyaku plant. Mini jelly cups containing konjac are a choking hazard as 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.
In Australia there is a permanent ban on the supply of mini jelly cups containing konjac. For more information on the ban, see Mini jelly cups containing konjac.