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E425ThickenerModerate concern

Konjac

In plain words

The short version

Glucomannan from the konjac corm — a powerful thickener and the gelling agent in shirataki noodles. Choking hazard in jelly minicups.

Why we flag it amber

It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.

Safety

Safety profile

ADI not specified — considered safe as a soluble fiber when consumed in solution. The critical safety concern is texture: konjac jelly minicups (small pop-out cups) caused fatal choking incidents in children and were banned in the EU, US, Canada, and Australia. Consumed in liquid or paste form (noodles, drinks), no choking concern; soluble fiber may contribute to gut motility changes at high intake.

The detail

Sources

  1. EFSA — Re-evaluation of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) as food additives (EFSA Journal 2017;15(6):4864) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), ANS Panel, 2017. Safety: no numerical ADI needed; total intake condition below 3 g/day
  2. Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 establishing the Union list of food additives (Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008) — European Commission / Official Journal of the EU (L 295, 12.11.2011), 2011. Regulation: E 425 max 10 g/kg; not permitted in jelly confectionery or jelly mini-cups
  3. Directive 2003/52/EC amending Directive 95/2/EC as regards the conditions of use for a food additive E 425 konjac — European Parliament and Council / Official Journal of the EU (L 178, 17.07.2003), 2003. Safety/regulation: EU prohibition of konjac in jelly confectionery including mini-cups due to choking deaths
  4. FDA Import Alert 33-15 — Detention Without Physical Examination of Mini-cup Gel and Jelly Candies of Firm Consistency that Present Risk of Choking — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026. Regulation/safety: US action against konjac mini-cup jelly candies

Checked against these sources on .

Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.