The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released an official alert regarding contaminated Jolly Ranchers. They have raised the alarm about possible adverse health effects due to the contamination of the sweets with mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). On Wednesday night, public health officials sent out a warning about some Jolly Ranchers sold in the UK. This comprises Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies, Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies. Hershey, another US based multi-national, is the parent company of the Jolly Ranchers brand.
According to FSA, these products are found to contain MOAH. This toxic chemical compound can cause measurable damage to DNA and is known to increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer. This risk is especially exacerbated when levels of MOAH are ingested in large amounts and/or over long durations. The agency has now announced all impacted Jolly Ranchers products “unsafe to eat.” Finally, they call on UK businesses and consumers to immediately cease purchasing and selling these items.
The FSA’s warning highlights the possible long-term health effects that may result from eating food containing MOAH. This chemical contaminant is particularly alarming. We know its carcinogenic properties cause long-term health problems if ingested consistently. The agency’s warnings are a powerful, visceral message to consumers about the importance of food safety. They complacently downplay or even ignore the serious risks associated with toxic additives.
These Jolly Ranchers products are prevalent in thousands of retail stores throughout the UK. The FSA’s call for urgent action is about protecting public health and preventing continued consumption of unsafe products. Hershey has not issued a public response to the FSA’s food alert. To rebuild trust among consumers, the company needs to take decisive action to walk back its wrongdoing and guarantee the safety of its faulty products in markets around the world.