The UK Food Standards Agency has issued a food alert advising consumers to stop purchasing and consuming Jolly Rancher confectionery products due to the presence of unsafe mineral oil compounds. The affected products contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) and Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH), making them non-compliant with UK food safety laws.
The alert covers four specific Jolly Rancher products: Hard Candy, Misfits Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies. All pack sizes, batch codes, and expiration dates for these products are included in the safety warning.
Food businesses importing these products have also been advised to immediately discontinue import and distribution activities. Retailers currently selling the affected confectionery are instructed to halt sales immediately, withdraw products from shelves, and initiate recalls where items have already been sold to consumers.
The alert said that The Hershey Company, which owns the Jolly Rancher brand, is working with with the Food Standards Agency to address the safety concerns. The company previously removed non-compliant products from UK markets in 2024 and subsequently decided to cease supplying the UK market entirely. However, other businesses have continued importing these products for UK distribution, prompting the agency to request enforcement action from local authorities.
According to the Food Standards Agency, the mineral oil compounds present in the products pose potential health risks, particularly for younger consumers and those who consume large quantities regularly. MOAH compounds can cause DNA damage and potentially increase cancer risk when consumed in high quantities over extended periods. The agency classifies MOAH as a genotoxic carcinogen, meaning no level of exposure is considered risk-free.
While immediate health concerns are minimal due to likely low exposure levels, the compounds present toxicological risks that warrant precautionary measures. The agency emphasizes particular concern for children and frequent consumers of the affected products.
Consumers who have purchased any of the listed Jolly Rancher products are advised not to consume them and to dispose of them at home. Those with concerns about potential exposure can contact their local Trading Standards or environmental health departments.
The Food Standards Agency has requested enforcement authorities to contact businesses that may have received the affected products and ensure proper withdrawal and recall procedures. Local authorities are also being asked to report their product recall and withdrawal actions to the agency.
According to national food poisoning law firm Ron Simon & Associates, this type of alert represents part of a country’s standard food safety protocol, which includes product withdrawal from shelves and customer recalls when safety issues are identified. National health agencies regularly issue Product Recall Information Notices and Food Alerts for Action to inform consumers and local authorities about food safety problems requiring immediate attention.
