Konjac Glucomannan
Also known as: E425ii, E425
Konjac is generally considered safe as a fiber; however, FDA has banned konjac in certain mini-cup jelly candies because of severe choking hazards (especially in children) due to its strong gel that does not readily dissolve in the mouth or throat.
What it is
Konjac glucomannan, a soluble dietary fiber extracted from the tuber of Amorphophallus konjac.
Thickener, gelling agent, dietary fiber, and emulsifier.
Why it's flagged
- choking hazard in gel/cup candy form
- may cause GI obstruction if taken without sufficient water in supplement form
What regulators actually say
"FDA is warning consumers not to eat... mini-cup jelly candies containing konjac because they pose a choking hazard."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as a food additive/fiber; FDA import alert and warnings on konjac mini-cup jelly products due to choking deaths.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E425(i) konjac gum and E425(ii) konjac glucomannan under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008; banned in jelly mini-cups (Directive 2003/52/EC; carried into 1333/2008).
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