The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent recall for a range of popular American sweets, warning consumers they contain ingredients that are unsafe to eat and pose a potential cancer risk.
What's the Danger in the Sweets?
The watchdog's alert, issued on Friday 16 January 2026, concerns specific products from the Jolly Rancher brand. These items have been found to contain mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH). The use of mineral oils in food is not permitted in the United Kingdom.
The FSA states that these substances can "pose a food safety risk if consumed regularly over a sustained period of time." Of particular concern is MOAH, which is identified as a genotoxic carcinogen. This means it can cause damage to DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, especially if ingested in high quantities over a long period. The agency emphasised that no exposure is without risk, though there is no immediate cause for alarm for consumers.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall applies to several Jolly Rancher lines that may still be on shelves or in homes. Consumers are urged to check for the following products:
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
- Jolly Rancher 'Misfits' Gummies
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1
- Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies
- Jolly Rancher Filled Pops
- Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy
Ongoing Action and Consumer Advice
The Hershey Company, the manufacturer of Jolly Rancher, had been working with the FSA since 2024 to remove non-compliant products and subsequently decided to stop supplying the UK market. Despite this, some products have continued to be imported.
The FSA has now instructed all food businesses that import these sweets to immediately halt sales, initiate product withdrawals and recalls, and discontinue further import and distribution. Enforcement authorities are contacting retailers to ensure compliance.
While exposure levels for most consumers are likely to be low, there is a heightened concern for younger children who may consume larger quantities of these sweets and could be more significantly affected.
The FSA's direct advice to the public is clear: if you have any of the listed Jolly Rancher products at home, you should dispose of them safely. You are also encouraged to notify your local Trading Standards or environmental health department about the products you have found.
