Popular sweets recalled over ‘unsafe to eat’ ingredient with cancer risk warning
Many popular American desserts have been urgently recalled and pulled from UK shelves due to an ingredient that makes them unsafe to eat.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a food alert asking businesses and customers to return certain Jolly Rancher products that contain mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH).
Mineral oil is not allowed in foodstuffs in the UK; The FSA warns that it “may pose a food safety risk if consumed regularly over a long period of time.”
MOAH can specifically damage DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, especially when consumed in high amounts over long periods of time.
The watchdog said it is a known carcinogen and although it is not an immediate cause for concern for consumers, no exposure poses a risk to human health.
Affected products include Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies, Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies, Jolly Rancher Filled Pops and Jolly Rancher Freeze-Dried Candy.
The Hershey Company, which produces Jolly Rancher products, has been working with the FSA to remove unsafe products from UK markets since 2024.
It has now decided not to supply products to the UK market, but despite this action its products continue to be imported into the UK.
Food businesses importing Jolly Rancher products have been advised by the FSA to immediately cease sales and carry out product withdrawals and recalls. It was also requested that the import and distribution of confectionery be stopped.
While consumers will likely be exposed to only low levels of the banned chemicals, concerns remain that young children, who may be more willing to eat Jolly Rancher products, may be particularly affected.
Enforcement authorities will immediately contact businesses that may have sold affected products and take action to ensure that these businesses comply and remove Jolly Rancher products from the market.
Customers who have the products at home are asked to destroy them and notify their local Trading Standards or environmental health department.
