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Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) has been focusing its inspections on the import of foodstuffs from third countries. These controls successfully reduce the risk of delivery of dangerous food on the local market. After being notified by Customs Authorities in Karlovy Vary, the supply of 72 kg gelatine sweets has been detained.

The consignment held jelly sweets containing the food additive “konjac” (E 425). Since 2002, the import and marketing of jelly sweets containing this additive has been banned in EU, due to the potential threat to human health.

Konjac is commonly used as a binding agent to solidify the consistency of certain foods. Jelly sweets sold as “jelly mini-cups” may cause choking, if consumed as a single-bite.  Depending upon the shape, size and consistency, jelly mini-cup products may become lodged in the throat and be difficult to remove. Jelly dissolves very slowly and, in addition, tends to swell due to presence of konjac. Sweets are especially dangerous for small children and elderly people.

Therefore, the Inspection supplied its biding opinion to the competent Customs Authority not to release the item for free circulation. The importer has to destroy the consignment under customs supervision. Since the shipment did not reach the market, there is no risk to consumers. Member states have been informed about the case through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).