thickener INS 425

Konjac E425

natural — Primarily plant-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Amorphophallus konjac glucomannan

CAS: 37220-17-0

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Konjac occurs naturally in konjac plant corm (Amorphophallus konjac). Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Konjac is also used in cosmetics, medicine, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Konjac has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Approved with restrictions. Mini-cup jelly containing konjac is banned due to choking hazard.

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (as dietary fiber)

FDA issued warnings about konjac candy/gel confections due to choking hazard. Import alerts in place for mini-cup jelly products.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Traditional food with centuries of use. Warnings issued about choking hazards, especially for children and elderly.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

A water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the corm (bulb) of the konjac plant, native to Southeast Asia. Traditional Japanese food for over 1,000 years, known as konnyaku.

konjac plant corm (Amorphophallus konjac)

Manufacturing

Method: extraction

Konjac corms are harvested, washed, dried, and ground into flour. Glucomannan is extracted and purified from the flour. The gel form requires treatment with alkali (calcium hydroxide) to form a stable gel structure.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in facial cleansing sponges (konjac sponges) and as a thickener in skincare products.

Medical

Sold as a dietary fiber supplement for weight loss, cholesterol reduction, and blood sugar management.

Household

Traditional Japanese New Year food (osechi ryori)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Konjac (E425)?

Konjac (E425) is a thickener used in food products. It is natural and plant-derived. A water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the corm (bulb) of the konjac plant, native to Southeast Asia. Traditional Japanese food for over 1,000 years, known as konnyaku.

Where is Konjac found naturally?

Konjac is naturally found in konjac plant corm (Amorphophallus konjac). A water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the corm (bulb) of the konjac plant, native to Southeast Asia. Traditional Japanese food for over 1,000 years, known as konnyaku.

What foods contain Konjac?

Konjac is used in various food categories including Food supplements, Noodles. It is used as a thickener in these products.

Is Konjac the same as Konjac gum?

Yes, Konjac is also known as Konjac gum, Konjac glucomannan, Glucomannan, Konjac flour, Devil's tongue, Voodoo lily, Konnyaku. These are different names for the same substance.