UK public warned not to eat Jolly Rancher sweets due to cancer risk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned UK consumers not to buy or eat Jolly Ranchers sweets as they contain a compound that damages DNA and increases the risk of cancer.
The following Jolly Ranchers products have been ruled unsafe to eat and not compliant with UK laws:
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
- Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1
- Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies
The FSA has advised businesses selling these products in the UK to immediately stop sales, undertake product withdrawals and recalls where applicable.
The Hershey Company, which owns the Jolly Rancher sweet brand, has taken action to remove these products from the UK market.
“For consumers, don’t buy them, and if you’ve eaten these products, there should be no immediate cause for concern, as food safety risk is low, but don’t eat any more,” the FSA said.
“These products contain mineral oil, which isn’t allowed in food in the UK and may pose a food safety risk if consumed regularly over a sustained period of time.”
Consumption of the sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat them regularly, it said.
Specifically, the listed sweets contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) and Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH).
MOAH has been found to cause damage to DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, particularly if consumed in high quantities over a prolonged period of time. It is a genotoxic carcinogen, and the FSA said that therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.
