Japanese government to monitor 'killer jelly'

The Japanese government is to set up a safety standards panel for "konnyaku," a popular savoury jelly, because of the number of people who choke to death on it each year.

Made from the starch of Devil's Tongue, a subtropical plant, the pulp is turned into a grey jelly that is used in a range of dishes in Japan.

Unfortunately, anyone who bites off more than they can chew can end up choking to death due to the elasticity of the food.

According to a task force of the Consumer Affairs Agency, 22 people have died in the last 16 years after eating konnyaku – the vast majority either the elderly or young people.

Another 32 cases required people to seek treatment after having konnyaku lodged in their throats.

Kenta Izumi, parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office, said that the jelly lacked standards to ensure safety.

"We need to draw up a law in the future," he said.

The safety standards panel, made up of food and medical experts, has been asked to come up with a set of standards by the end of the year. Manufacturers of konnyaku products will be required to adhere to new guidelines on warnings on packaging and portion sizes. ...

via Japanese government to monitor 'killer jelly' - Telegraph.