‘Unsafe to eat’ sweets pulled from shelves as they could contain ‘hydocarbons’ | UK | News
Items should not be eaten (Image: miniseries via Getty Images)
Some candies were withdrawn from sale after they were found to contain a substance that made them unsafe for consumption. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed that many Jolly Rancher products manufactured by The Hershey Company contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAHs), complex petroleum-based compounds found in mineral oils that can leach into foods through packaging inks, lubricants or processing aids.
On Friday the FSA said: “Food businesses importing these products are advised to cease importing and distributing the products. Food businesses selling these products in the UK are advised to immediately cease sales, withdraw their products and, where retail sales exist, recall the products. The Hershey Company, which owns the brand, has taken action to remove these products from the UK market.”
The FSA also stated that the Hershey Company “continues to work collaboratively with the FSA and, despite its proactive actions to remove unsafe products from UK markets in 2024 and subsequent decisions not to supply them to the UK market, other businesses continue to import and supply products to the UK market.” The watchdog said it had consequently asked enforcement authorities in the UK to take measures to pull products from shelves to protect consumers.
“While not an immediate cause for concern for consumers who eat these products as the food safety risk is low, MOAH is a known genotoxic carcinogen and may pose a safety risk, especially if consumed regularly over a long period of time,” the statement continued.
Stores were told to stop selling products (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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Full list of affected desserts
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (all flavors)
Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies (all flavors)
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2-in-1 (all flavors)
Jolly Rancher Berry Gummies (Berry flavor)
Jolly Rancher Filled Pops (all flavors)
Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy (all flavors)
May be a health risk (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The FSA warned: “Although the levels to which consumers are exposed are likely to be low, they may pose a health risk as they contain MOAH. Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, particularly in younger age groups and where consumers eat large amounts of these products or consume them regularly.”
“MOAH can damage DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, especially when consumed in high amounts over long periods of time. MOAH is a genotoxic carcinogen, so no exposure poses a risk to human health.”
“We are asking enforcement authorities to ensure that businesses that may have supplied or received the affected products take action to ensure that unsafe products are withdrawn from the market and recalled where they are sold at retail. We are also asking Local Authorities to notify the FSA of product recalls and recalls.
“If you have purchased any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead dispose of them at home. If you are concerned, notify the Trading Standards department for the area where you purchased the products or the Environmental Health department at your Local Authority.”
About product recalls and recalls
The FSA clarified: “If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, it may be ‘withdrawn’ (removed from shelves) or ‘withdrawn’ (where customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to inform consumers and local authorities about food-related issues. In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.”
