Konjac
Also known as: E425
Konjac is authorized as a food additive (E425) in the EU and approved in the U.S. for many applications.
What it is
Konjac (E425) — a polysaccharide thickener derived from the tuber of Amorphophallus konjac, comprising konjac gum (E425i) and konjac glucomannan (E425ii).
Thickener, gelling agent, and emulsifier in foods; used in shirataki noodles, jelly products, and fiber supplements.
Why it's flagged
- serious choking hazard in jelly mini-cup formats (especially children)
- GI obstruction reports with concentrated supplements
What regulators actually say
"FDA is warning consumers not to eat certain mini-cup gel candies containing konjac because they pose a choking hazard, especially to infants, children, and the elderly. Several deaths have been linked to these products."
"Member States shall suspend the placing on the market and importing of jelly mini-cups containing food additives E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403, E 404, E 405, E 406, E 407, E 407a, E 410, E 412, E 413, E 414, E 415, E 417, E 418 derived from gum arabic to konjac."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Konjac flour permitted as a direct food substance affirmed as GRAS for some uses; FDA has issued import alerts and warnings against konjac/glucomannan in mini-cup gel candies due to choking deaths.
European Union — EFSA
E425 authorized in Annex II of Regulation (EC) 1333/2008; banned in jelly mini-cups under Commission Decision 2004/374/EC.
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