Hong Kong could ban mini konjac-jelly cups from April 2026 over choking risk

Hong Kong has proposed banning the sale of mini konjac-jelly cups from April next year over the products’ choking-hazard risk, with anyone caught selling such goods to face a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a fine of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,370).

The amendments will be tabled in the Legislative Council next Wednesday. If passed, it will see mini-cup jellies containing konjac with a height or width of 45mm (1.77 inches) or less banned starting April 1.

All other konjac-jelly products would also be required to come with a warning sign.

The proposed amendments to the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations were prompted by a coroner’s suggestion last year that such products should be prohibited due to the risk of choking.

The recommendation followed the death of a seven-year-old girl in 2021, who was determined to have died from choking on confectionery jelly at school.

“Non cup-shaped konjac jellies are usually consumed through a small opening in the packaging, while larger or non pre-packaged konjac jelly is typically eaten with a teaspoon, posing a relatively lower choking risk,” said Dr Cheung Yung-yan, a consultant with the Centre for Food Safety.