Haribo, the well-known gummy bear manufacturer, has initiated a recall of its ‘Happy Cola’ sweets in the Netherlands following reports that some products tested positive for cannabis. On May 29, 2023, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) issued a warning about these sweets, stating that they may pose health risks, including dizziness, when consumed.
The recall is limited to the Netherlands, with the NVWA confirming that all other Haribo products remain safe for consumption. The situation arose after several individuals, including at least one family, experienced illness after consuming the affected candy, prompting a forensic investigation by local police.
Chantal Westerhoff, a police spokesperson, emphasized the need to determine how cannabis ended up in the candy and how the contaminated bags reached stores. ‘We want to know exactly how this got into the candy and how the bags ended up in the store,’ she told the Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant.
Saida Ahyad, a spokesperson for the NVWA, confirmed that cannabis was detected in the cola-shaped sweets. The source of the contamination remains unknown, according to Haribo’s representatives, who stated they are taking the matter seriously and cooperating with police to clarify the situation.
The incident raises concerns about food safety, particularly as federal regulators in the United States have previously warned manufacturers of marijuana edibles to avoid creating products that mimic popular snack brands aimed at children. Dayton Children’s Hospital reported an increase in cases involving children accidentally consuming cannabis edibles, highlighting the potential dangers of products that resemble traditional candies.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for thorough investigations when contamination is suspected. Haribo has not yet confirmed whether the affected candy was an authentic product from their brand.
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