The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent recall for several popular American Jolly Rancher sweets found on UK shelves. The alert, issued on Friday 16 January 2026, warns that the products contain a mineral oil that is not permitted in food and is linked to a potential increased risk of cancer.
What is the Specific Risk?
The recall centres on the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). The FSA states this substance is a known carcinogen that can cause DNA damage. While there is no immediate health threat from a single consumption, the agency emphasises that regular exposure over time poses a significant food safety risk. This is of particular concern for children, who may consume larger quantities of the sweets.
Why Are These Sweets Still Available?
This situation highlights a gap in post-Brexit import controls. Although The Hershey Company officially ceased supplying the UK market in 2024, these products have continued to be imported through other channels. This has led the FSA to directly intervene, instructing businesses to halt all sales and initiate a full recall of the affected Jolly Rancher items.
What Should Consumers Do?
The FSA's advice to the public is clear and urgent. Consumers who have purchased these sweets should:
- Immediately stop eating them.
- Dispose of the products safely.
- Notify their local authority's environmental health or trading standards office about where they were purchased.
This recall serves as a critical reminder for shoppers to remain vigilant about product origins and official safety alerts, especially for goods that continue to enter the UK market after a major supplier has withdrawn.
