Glucomannan
Konjac glucomannan is a soluble fiber with cholesterol-lowering and satiety effects. Authorized in EU as E 425 (i konjac gum / ii konjac glucomannan).
What it is
High-molecular-weight soluble dietary fiber from konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) tubers, primarily polysaccharide of mannose and glucose; also called konjac glucomannan.
Soluble dietary fiber, thickener, gelling agent (E 425).
Why it's flagged
- choking and esophageal/intestinal obstruction risk in mini-cup jellies and large unhydrated capsules
- must be taken with adequate water
- may impair absorption of medications taken simultaneously
What regulators actually say
"Konjac candy has been linked to several choking deaths ... FDA has taken enforcement action, including import alerts and product seizures, to prevent distribution of these hazardous products."
"Due to fatal accidents mainly in children and a few in elderly persons resulting from asphyxiation following the ingestion of jelly mini-cups confectionery containing konjac, the use of this additive in jelly confectionery was prohibited by Directive 2003/52/EC."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as fiber/thickener in foods, but FDA Import Alert and warnings restrict konjac mini-cup jelly products; intended uses for use in jellies that pose choking hazard are prohibited
European Union — EFSA
Authorized food additive E 425 (konjac gum and konjac glucomannan); use in jelly mini-cups confectionery prohibited (Directive 2003/52/EC)
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