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A selection of confectionery has been withdrawn from sale after being found to contain a substance rendering them unsafe for consumption. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) revealed that several Jolly Rancher products, manufactured by The Hershey Company, contained Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), complex petroleum-based compounds present in mineral oils that can contaminate food through packaging inks, lubricants or processing aids.
On Friday, the FSA said: "Food businesses who import these products are advised to discontinue import and distribution of products. Food businesses selling these products in the UK are advised to immediately stop sales, undertake product withdrawals and, where there have been retail sales, to undertake product recalls. The Hershey Company, which is the brand owner, has taken action to remove these products from the UK market."
The FSA further noted that The Hershey Company had "continued to work collaboratively with the FSA and despite their proactive action to remove unsafe products from UK markets in 2024, and their subsequent decision not to supply the UK market going forward, other businesses continue to import and supply the products to the UK market". The watchdog said it was consequently asking enforcement authorities across the UK to take measures to withdraw products from shelves to safeguard consumers.
The statement continued: "While there is no immediate cause for concern for consumers that have eaten these products, as the food safety risk is low, MOAH is a known genotoxic carcinogen and may pose a safety risk - particularly if consumed regularly, over a sustained period."
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (all flavours)
Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies (all flavours)
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1 (all flavours)
Jolly Rancher Berry Gummies (Berry flavour)
Jolly Rancher Filled Pops (all flavours)
Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy (all flavours)
The FSA warned: "Although the levels consumers are exposed to are likely to be low, they may present a risk to health because they contain MOAH. Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat it regularly.
"MOAH can 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. MOAH is a genotoxic carcinogen, therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.
"We are asking enforcement authorities to ensure that businesses who may have been supplied with or received the affected products take action to ensure that unsafe products are withdrawn from the market and, where sold at retail, recalled. We are also asking the Local Authorities to inform the FSA of product recall and withdrawal actions.
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"If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. Instead, dispose of them at home. If you are concerned, notify your Trading Standards department or Environmental Health department in the Local Authority for the area in which you purchased the products."
About product recalls and withdrawalsThe FSA clarified: "If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers."
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