The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has triggered urgent product recalls for a range of popular chocolate and sweet items, warning shoppers across the United Kingdom not to consume them. The alert, issued on 17 January 2026, covers products pulled from shelves due to serious safety concerns, including a potential cancer risk and undeclared allergens.
Chocolate Raisins Pose Allergy Danger
Kestrel Foods is recalling its Forest Feast Belgian Milk Chocolate Jumbo Raisins. The 1kg bags, sold at Costco, may contain undeclared peanuts and nuts, posing a significant health risk to anyone with an allergy to these ingredients. The affected batches have the codes 5344136460, 5345136460, and 5346136460, with a best before date of 31 December 2026.
The company has advised customers with relevant allergies to return the product to the Costco store where it was purchased for a full refund. Point-of-sale notices have been issued in stores to explain the recall process to consumers.
Jolly Rancher Sweets Linked to Cancer Risk
In a separate and more widespread alert, the FSA has issued a stark "do not eat" warning for multiple lines of Jolly Rancher sweets. This action follows a similar recall last year and is due to the detection of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in the products.
The agency states that MOAH is a genotoxic carcinogen, meaning it can damage DNA and may increase the risk of cancer, particularly if consumed in large quantities over a long period. While the immediate risk to those who have already eaten the sweets is low, the FSA emphasised that no exposure is without risk, especially for younger consumers.
The recall affects all pack sizes, batch codes, and best before dates for the following Jolly Rancher products:
- 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)
What Consumers Must Do Now
Shoppers are being urged to check their kitchen cupboards immediately for any of the listed products. If you have purchased any of the affected items, you must not eat them. For the Forest Feast raisins, return them to Costco. For the Jolly Rancher products, follow the recall instructions, which typically involve returning them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The presence of MOAH makes these Jolly Rancher sweets illegal to sell in the UK. The FSA's warning highlights the ongoing importance of food safety regulations and swift action when potential hazards are identified.
