A selection of Jolly Rancher sweets has been deemed “unsafe to eat” by the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), due to the presence of chemical compounds linked to DNA damage and an increased risk of cancer.
In a food alert issued on Wednesday evening, the FSA urged businesses and consumers to stop selling, buying, or consuming certain Jolly Rancher products produced by U.S. confectionery giant Hershey. The warning relates to the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), substances that are not compliant with UK food safety regulations.
The affected products include:
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Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
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Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies
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Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1
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Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies
“These compounds are used in sweets to prevent stickiness and create a glossy finish,” the FSA explained. “However, MOAH is a genotoxic carcinogen, which means it can damage DNA and has the potential to increase cancer risk, particularly when consumed in large quantities over time.”
The agency clarified that while the risk to consumers is considered low, no level of exposure to genotoxic carcinogens is without risk. “There is no immediate cause for concern,” the FSA said, “but regular consumption over a prolonged period could pose a health hazard.”
The Hershey Company has been working with UK authorities since 2024 to remove the non-compliant products from the British market. Despite this, some businesses have continued to import and sell the sweets.
The FSA is now taking further steps, instructing local enforcement bodies to contact retailers that have stocked the affected items and ensure their immediate removal from shelves.
Consumers who have purchased any of the listed products are being advised not to eat them and to dispose of them safely at home. The agency also encourages people to report concerns to their local Trading Standards or Environmental Health department.
The FSA’s intervention highlights growing concerns over imported food safety, particularly when international products do not meet UK health standards.
With the sweets still circulating in some UK stores, the agency is taking urgent action to safeguard public health and prevent long-term exposure to potentially harmful substances.
