The Hong Kong (HK) Government has published the Food & Drugs (Composition & Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 to strengthen the regulation of pre-packaged konjac-containing jelly confectionery.
In its latest ruling, sales of mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery with a height or width not exceeding 45mm will be prohibited. In addition, other konjac jelly products are to be labelled with warning statements about choking risks on their packaging.
The HK Government highlighted that while konjac itself is a safe food additive, the smooth and slippery surface and firm texture of konjac jellies may pose a choking risk. It also highlighted that this risk is particularly high for children and the elderly.
Once approved by the Legislative Council on 23 July, the new requirements for prepackaged mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery will take effect from 1 April 2026.
The Centre for Food Safety will enhance education on choking prevention through various initiatives like issuing letters to schools, organising seminars, and sharing information on social media. The centre will also arrange technical meetings with relevant businesses and issue user guidelines to facilitate understanding of and compliance with the new requirements.
