The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has recently warned that several Jolly Rancher candy products sold in the UK are unsafe to consume.
The FSA, which oversees food safety and hygiene in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, issued an alert earlier this month. It stated that certain Jolly Rancher products contain mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH). These substances make the candies non-compliant with UK food safety laws.
The agency advised food businesses importing these products to immediately stop import and distribution. It also urged retailers in the UK to halt sales, withdraw the affected products, and recall any items already sold to consumers.
Jolly Rancher’s parent company, Hershey, was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.
The products named in the alert include Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, Jolly Rancher “Misfits” Gummies, Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies.
While the FSA noted that consumer exposure levels are likely low, it warned that the chemicals may still pose health risks. The agency expressed particular concern for younger consumers and those who eat large amounts or consume these sweets regularly.
According to the FSA, MOAH can damage DNA and may increase cancer risk, especially with high or prolonged consumption. The agency classified MOAH as a genotoxic carcinogen, meaning any exposure could be harmful to human health.
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