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Is Konjac Noodle Really Banned in Australia? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Konjac products have been around for centuries in Asia and have recently gained popularity in Western countries as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta and noodles. However, there is a lot of confusion surrounding the legality of Konjac products in Australia. Many people believe that konjac noodles are banned in Australia, but the truth is that it’s only konjac jelly that’s banned. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this misconception and provide examples to clear up any confusion.

Konjac Shirataki Fettucci

What are Konjac Noodles?

First, let's clarify what konjac noodles are. Konjac noodles are a type of noodle made from the konjac yam. They are also known as shirataki noodles, which means "white waterfall" in Japanese. These noodles are popular in Japanese and Chinese cuisine and have gained popularity in other parts of the world due to their low-calorie and low-carbohydrate content.

Shirataki Konjac Spaghetti

Are Konjac Noodles Banned in Australia?

The short answer is no, konjac noodles are not banned in Australia. In fact, they are widely available in many supermarkets and health food stores. The confusion may have arisen from the fact that konjac jelly is banned in Australia.

Why is Konjac Jelly Banned in Australia?

Konjac jelly is a jelly-like substance made from the konjac yam. It is often used as a thickener or a gelling agent in food products. However, konjac jelly has been linked to choking deaths in several countries, including Japan and South Korea. The jelly has a unique texture that makes it difficult to swallow, especially for young children and the elderly.

 

In response to these incidents, Australia issued directives to ban the sale of konjac jelly. The bans are intended to protect consumers from the potential choking hazard posed by konjac jelly.

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https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/chun-shing-international-trading-pty-ltd-%E2%80%94-triko-fibrous-juice-jelly-peach-mango-or-grape-flavour-dr-q-konjac-fruit-jelly-mango-lychee-or-grape-flavour-sheng-xiang-zhen-assorted-flavor-fruity-coconut-jelly

Examples of Konjac Jelly Bans

The ban on konjac jelly is not just limited to Australia. Many other countries, including the United States, have also imposed restrictions on the product. Here are a few examples:

Choking risk

  1. Unlike gelatine and some other commonly used gelling agents, konjac fruit jelly does not melt readily in the mouth. Some products form a gel strong enough to require chewing to disintegrate the gel. Though the product is intended to be eaten by gently squeezing the container, a consumer can suck the product out with enough force to unintentionally lodge it in the trachea. Because of this hazard, the European Union and Australia, etc banned konjac fruit jelly.
  1. In 1999, Michelle Enrile, 12, from San Jose, CA, choked on a piece of Konjac gel candy. She lapsed into a coma and died two years later. The Enriles won a $16.7 million judgment against the Taiwanese manufacturer of the candy.

The Difference between Konjac Noodle and Konjac Jelly

It’s important to understand the difference between konjac noodles and konjac jelly. While both are made from the konjac yam, they are processed differently and have different properties. Konjac noodles are made by combining konjac flour with water and other ingredients. They are then shaped into noodles and boiled. Konjac noodles have a neutral taste and a slightly rubbery texture.

果冻和魔芋粉丝

Konjac jelly, on the other hand, is made by combining konjac flour with water and other ingredients and then allowing it to set. The result is a jelly-like substance that is often used as a thickener or a gelling agent. Konjac jelly has a unique texture that makes it difficult to swallow and has been linked to choking deaths.

The Nutritional Benefits of Konjac Noodle

Konjac noodles, also known as shirataki noodles, are a type of noodle made from the root of the konjac yam plant. They are a popular low-carb and low-calorie alternative to traditional wheat noodles. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of konjac noodles: 

  • Low in calories: Konjac noodles are very low in calories, with only about 9.5 calories per 100 grams. This makes them a great option for people who are trying to lose weight or reduce their calorie intake.

 

  • Low in carbohydrates: Konjac noodles are also very low in carbohydrates, with only about 0.6 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. This makes them a good option for people who are following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

 

  • High in fiber: Konjac noodles are high in fiber, with about 3.56 grams of fiber per 100 grams. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health and it’s also very suitable for diabetics.

 

  • Gluten-free: Konjac noodles are naturally gluten-free, which makes them a good option for people who have gluten sensitivity.

 

  • May help with weight loss: Konjac noodles are often marketed as a weight loss aid, as they are low in calories and high in fiber. Some studies have shown that konjac noodles can help to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, which may help with weight loss.

 

Energy (kcal)

9.5

Energy (kJ)

39

Protein

0 g

Carbohydrate

0.6 g

Total Fat

0 g

Sodium

3 mg

Dietary Fibre

3.56 g

 

Overall, konjac noodles are a nutritious and low-calorie option for people who are looking for a healthy alternative to traditional noodles. However, it’s important to note that konjac noodles may not be suitable for everyone, as they have a unique texture and can cause digestive discomfort in some people.

How to prepare Konjac Noodle?

To prepare Konjac noodles, also known as Shirataki noodles, follow these steps:

  1. Open the package and drain the water.
  2. Rinse the noodles under cold water for one minute, then drain them thoroughly.

If you prefer a softer texture, you can try one of the following tips:

Tip 1: Add a spoonful of vinegar and let the noodles soak for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse again. This can help soften the texture of the konjac noodles.

Tip 2: Marinate the Konjac noodles in a tomato-based sauce for 2 to 3 minutes. This can also help soften the texture, giving you a more pasta-like consistency.

Once the noodles are prepared to your liking, you can use them in various dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, or salads. Enjoy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, konjac noodles are not banned in Australia. The confusion may have arisen from the fact that konjac jelly is banned in Australia and other countries due to its potential choking hazard. It’s important to understand the difference between konjac noodles and konjac jelly and to use them responsibly. As always, it’s important to read the labels and follow the instructions when using any food product.

FAQS

  • Is Konjac Noodle high in carbohydrates?

No, Konjac Noodle is low in carbohydrates, making it a great alternative to regular noodles.

  • Is Konjac Noodle legal in Australia?

Yes, Konjac Noodle is legal in Australia, and it is perfectly safe to consume.

  • Where can I buy Konjac Noodle in Australia?

You can buy Konjac Noodle from health food stores, supermarkets, and online retailers in Australia.

  • What are the nutritional benefits of the Konjac Noodle?

Konjac Noodle is low in calories, high in fiber, and contains glucomannan, a type of soluble fiber that helps in weight loss.

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