British authorities have issued a warning regarding one of America’s beloved candies, stating it is “not safe to eat.” On June 11, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) released a strict advisory against Jolly Rancher candies.
This alert impacts a variety of products, including Jolly Launcher Hard Candy, Jolly Launcher Misfit, Jolly Launcher Fruity 2 Fruity 2, and Jolly Launcher Berig Me.
The FSA’s concern stems from the presence of “mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH).” These substances, according to the agency, do not comply with UK laws and are deemed unsafe for consumption.
The agency has advised consumers in the UK to avoid purchasing or consuming these candies. They mentioned that while there shouldn’t be immediate cause for concern if someone has consumed them, it’s best not to continue eating them. They emphasized that the food safety risks are low, but caution is still recommended.
The FSA noted that the candies contain mineral oils not allowed in food in the UK, indicating potential food safety risks with regular consumption over time. While the advisory didn’t specifically call for a ban, the FSA has asked enforcement authorities to step in and act to safeguard consumers.
Jolly Ranchers, popular since their introduction to the U.S. market in 1949, come in flavors like watermelon, cherry, blue raspberry, grape, and green apple. The Hershey Company, which acquired the brand in 1996, reassured consumers that their top priority is safety and quality. They mentioned that while the products are marketed globally, they cannot guarantee compliance with local regulations in every market.
According to the European Food Safety Agency, hydrocarbons can enter food through various means, including environmental pollution and food contact materials. The possible health implications of these mineral hydrocarbons can vary significantly.
It’s noted that certain hydrocarbons can act as genotoxic carcinogens—substances that can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer. The FDA regulates their presence, allowing mineral oil in non-food items intended for food contact under specific conditions.
Hershey continues to work with the UK FSA on this matter and hopes to return Jolly Rancher products to retailers in the near future.
