New Zealand Food Safety has warned people not to consume mini jelly cups containing konjac as they may present a choking hazard, particularly for young children and the elderly.
Thousands of similar mini jelly cups were seized and destroyed in Australia recently, where the product was banned.
Deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said a review identified a limited number of imported mini jelly cups that contain konjac — an additive that prevented jelly from easily dissolving and increases choking risk.
“The concern is that the combination of jelly which does not easily dissolve and the way the product is consumed, by sucking it out of the container, makes these products particularly unsafe for children and the elderly to eat.”
He said there have been no reports of injury in New Zealand but that the product has been linked to choking deaths overseas.
“Our message to consumers is not to consume mini jelly cups containing konjac and to take extreme care when consuming mini jelly cups made with other ingredients.”
Arbuckle said NZ Food Safety did not believe there was a large amount of product for sale in New Zealand but that it would continue monitoring and removing products containing konjac.
The mini jelly cups have been imported and may be sold in ethnic food stores nationwide, he added.