Commercial Information Circulars

24-hour hotline : 23 922 922

e-mail address : tidenq@tid.gcn.gov.hk

Ref : EIC 230/2/12

23 April 2002

Dear Sirs,

Commercial Information Circular No. 83/02

European Union (EU)* : Suspension of the Placing on the
Market and Import of Jelly Confectionery Containing
the Food Additive E 425 Konjac

In order to protect human health and life, the European Commission (EC) has adopted a Decision to suspend the placing on the market and import of jelly confectionery containing konjac. The use of konjac in jelly confectionery is also prohibited. Details are set out in Commission Decision (2002/247/EC), a copy of which is appended (pdf format) to this Circular for reference.

DETAILS

2. In the light of several fatal incidents occurred to children due to choking on the contents of jelly min-cups containing konjac, the EC considered that jelly mini-cups containing the substance could constitute a life-threatening risk. The shape and size of the jelly mini-cups as well as the chemical and physical properties of konjac are the cause of concern. Furthermore, warnings through labelling are considered as insufficient to protect children. Community-wide measure to suspend the placing on the market and import of jelly confectionery containing konjac is therefore deemed necessary to ensure a high level of consumer protection.

ENQUIRIES

3. For enquiries about the contents of this Circular, please contact the undersigned at telephone number 2398 5684.

Yours faithfully,

(Miss Sandra SOU)

for Director-General of Trade and Industry

* : The EU Member States are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom

Note : While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, the Department cannot guarantee this to be so and will not be held liable for any reliance placed on the same.