"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 incidents. While the manufacturer insists that warning labels are clearly displayed, some consumers argue that sales should be halted or a recall should be initiated.

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 issued a notice on its official website the previous day, stating, "We would like to remind customers once again regarding the 'Kororo Moisturizing Hand Cream' that has been on sale since November 20 last year." Showbido urged consumers to be cautious, emphasizing, "To prevent accidental ingestion, we have printed the phrase 'This product is not edible' on the front, back, and cap of the package."

"Indistinguishable from the actual jelly"

This product is a collaboration inspired by the popular 'Kororo' jelly from jelly manufacturer UHA Mikakuto. The issue lies in its design, which is strikingly similar to the 'Kororo' jelly. The unique Kororo logo, fruit illustrations, and pouch-shaped container have all been faithfully reproduced, leading to repeated claims that it is difficult to distinguish the hand cream from the real jelly at a glance.

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), comments included: "I thought it was a jelly drink with Kororo flavor," "When I saw the photo, I thought a new Kororo drinking jelly had been released," "Preschool children or elderly people with cognitive difficulties could easily eat this by mistake," "If it looks this much like jelly, even adults could be confused," and "I'm scared my child might eat it." These concerns are spreading rapidly.

Some consumers have begun demanding a halt to sales or a product recall. Comments included, "You could put it in your mouth before reading the warning label,""If you make the package design this similar to the jelly, accidental ingestion will happen quite often," and "There will inevitably be accidents where people eat it by mistake, so it should be recalled and relaunched as soon as possible."Such opinions continue to be voiced.

Manufacturer: "Warning labels are sufficient"

Showbido acknowledged, "We are aware that adopting the Kororo package image as our design could lead to confusion with food products," but repeatedly emphasized that the warning labels are sufficient. They also advised, "If you accidentally put it in your mouth, rinse immediately and visit a medical institution if there are any issues."

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

It appears that Showbido currently has no plans to recall or relaunch the product. The company stated, "We will continue to review and improve labeling methods to ensure that customers can use our products with peace of mind, and to provide appropriate information and clear labeling," and asked for customers' understanding and cooperation.