"Accidents Are Bound to Happen"...Calls for Sales Suspension Flood In Over 'National Snack' as Japan Faces Jelly Controversy

Concerns Over Accidents Due to Indistinguishable Packaging from Jelly
Manufacturer Explains: "Warning Labels Are Sufficient"
Sales Continue Despite Calls for Suspension and Recall

Controversy over consumer safety is growing in Japan after the release of a hand cream that is almost indistinguishable in appearance from 'Kororo' jelly, a snack often referred to as a national favorite. Concerns have been raised that the excessively similar package design could lead to accidental ingestion. While the manufacturer claims it has provided sufficient warning labels, some consumers are calling for the product to be withdrawn from sale or recalled.

Japanese cosmetics company Showbido's "Kororo Moisturizing Hand Cream," launched last year. Screenshot from Showbido website

According to the Sankei Shimbun and other sources on the 26th, Japanese cosmetics and daily goods company Showbido posted a notice on its official website the previous day, stating, "We would like to remind consumers once again about the precautions regarding the 'Kororo Moisturizing Hand Cream,' which has been on sale since November 20 last year." Showbido emphasized, "To prevent accidental ingestion, we have printed the phrase 'This product is not edible' on the front and back of the package, as well as on the cap," urging consumers to be cautious.

"It can't be distinguished from the real jelly"

This product is a collaboration inspired by the popular 'Kororo' jelly from jelly maker UHA Mikakuto. The problem lies in its design, which is strikingly similar to that of 'Kororo' jelly. The distinctive Kororo logo, fruit illustrations, and pouch-style packaging have all been faithfully reproduced, leading to repeated criticism that it is difficult to distinguish the hand cream from the actual jelly by sight alone.

The 'Kororo Moisturizing Hand Cream' (left) and 'Kororo' jelly. Screenshot by X

"I'm afraid my child might eat it" ... Consumer concerns spread

On local social networking services (SNS), concerns have poured in, such as "I thought it was a jelly drink with Kororo flavor," "Just by looking at the photo, I thought 'Kororo drinking jelly has come out,'" "Preschool children or elderly people with reduced cognitive abilities could easily eat it by mistake," "If it looks this much like jelly, even adults could be confused," and "I'm scared my child might eat it."

Some consumers have demanded that the product be withdrawn from sale or recalled. "Someone could put it in their mouth before reading the warning label,""Since the package design is this similar to the jelly, accidents of mistaken ingestion will happen quite frequently," "There will definitely be accidents where people eat it by mistake, so it should be recalled and relaunched as soon as possible,"were among the comments.

Manufacturer: "Sufficient warning labels"

Showbido stated, "We are aware that adopting the Kororo package image as a design carries the risk of being mistaken for food," but repeatedly emphasized that sufficient warning labels have been provided. The company also advised, "If you accidentally put it in your mouth, rinse immediately and seek medical attention if there are any abnormalities."

Manufacturer Showbido printed the warning phrase "This product is not edible" on the front and back of the product package. Screenshot from Showbido website

Showbido does not appear to have any plans to recall or relaunch the product at this time. The company stated, "We will continue to review and improve our labeling methods to provide appropriate information and clear labeling so that customers can use our products with peace of mind," adding, "We ask for your understanding and cooperation."