UK agency sounds alarm on potential cancer risk in certain US sweets

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) on Wednesday, June 12, 2025, issued a public health warning concerning several products from the Jolly Rancher brand of American sweets, stating that they are “unsafe to eat” due to the presence of chemical substances that may harm DNA and raise the risk of cancer.

The BBC reports that consumers and retailers across the UK are being urged to stop purchasing, selling, or consuming Jolly Rancher products, which are manufactured by The Hershey Company, a major U.S. confectionery brand.

The alert follows the discovery that these sweets contain mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH).

These are said to be chemical compounds that are not legally permitted in food products under UK regulations.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, the FSA explained that MOAH is particularly concerning, as it is a genotoxic carcinogen.

This means that it can directly damage genetic material in human cells, potentially leading to cancer.

The agency emphasized that “no level of exposure to MOAH is considered entirely safe,” especially if consumed repeatedly over an extended period.

While the FSA reassured the public that the immediate risk to consumers is low, it warned that regular, long-term consumption of products containing MOAH could pose serious health risks.

MOSH, while considered less dangerous, may also accumulate in body tissues and has been linked to adverse effects in some studies.

These substances are sometimes used in the production of confectionery items to prevent candies from sticking together and to give them a glossy, appealing finish.

However, their use in food is tightly regulated in the UK due to growing concerns over potential health hazards.

The specific Jolly Rancher products affected by the warning include:

Jolly Rancher Hard Candy

Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies

Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1

Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies

The FSA has advised anyone who has purchased any of the above items to avoid consuming them and dispose of them at home.

Consumers with health concerns or safety inquiries are encouraged to contact their local Trading Standards office or Environmental Health department.

This is especially if they know where the products were purchased.

Despite efforts to address the issue, the FSA noted that some UK businesses have continued to import and distribute Jolly Rancher products.

This comes even as Hershey has been working with the UK government since 2024 to remove them from the market.

The persistence of these imports has prompted the agency to step up enforcement efforts.

To prevent further sales, the FSA has asked local enforcement agencies to immediately contact all retailers and distributors who may have received or sold the contaminated products.

These businesses are being directed to remove the items from shelves and take any necessary measures to stop future imports.

The agency has also issued formal instructions to ensure that non-compliant stock is withdrawn and does not reach consumers through either physical retail locations or online sales channels.

This food safety alert adds to growing concerns over the presence of harmful industrial substances in everyday consumables, especially products marketed to children and young people.

It also raises questions about the enforcement of food import regulations and the responsibilities of international manufacturers to comply with local health standards.

The FSA concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that all food sold in the UK meets the required legal and safety standards.

The agency promised to continue monitoring the situation closely and would provide further updates as necessary.

In the meantime, both consumers and businesses are being urged to remain vigilant and report any continued sales of the affected sweets.

They are also encouraged to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure these products are no longer available to the public.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook