The Hong Kong government has strengthened the rules around prepackaged konjac-containing jelly confectionery.
Mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery with a height or width not exceeding 45 millimeters will be prohibited for sale. Other konjac jelly products must be labeled with choking warning statements on their packaging to remind consumers to exercise caution while eating.
A coroner recommended the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) consider such a ban after hearing about a case of a girl who died of choking after consuming a mini-cup jelly confectionery product at school in late 2024.
The rules, as part of the Food & Drugs (Composition & Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025, will take effect in April 2026. The penalty for breaching them will be up to HK$50,000 ($6,400) in fines and six months’ in prison.
The government said that while konjac is a safe food additive, the smooth and slippery surface and firm texture of konjac jellies may pose a choking risk. This risk is particularly high for children and the elderly.
The outer layer of packaging for jelly confectionery that contains konjac must be clearly marked with the following in both Chinese and English – “Caution: Do not swallow whole. Elderly and children must consume under supervision.”
The warnings must be underlined and marked in a dark color on a light-colored background or in light color on a dark background; or in red text on a white or yellow background.
The CFS will focus education on choking prevention. This will include issuing letters to schools, organizing seminars, and sharing information on social media. The agency will also arrange meetings with businesses and issue user guidelines to help with understanding of and compliance with the new requirements.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting eight people.
The clusters involve seven males and one female aged between 23 and 25, who developed abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, about four to 36 hours after having meals at Deluxe King Japanese Restaurant in Mong Kok, on July 10 and 19 respectively.
A preliminary investigation revealed sick people had all consumed some common items, such as sashimi and raw oysters. The CFS ordered the premises to suspend serving the incriminated items and carry out cleaning and disinfection of the site.
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