Haribo withdraws "Happy Cola" candies from Dutch market due to THC detection
Netherlands Warns Against Haribo's "Happy Cola" Sweets After Cannabis Contamination
A recall has been issued by Haribo in the Netherlands for their "Happy Cola F!ZZ" sweets following the discovery of cannabis in several packets. This action comes after several individuals, including children, fell ill due to the consumption of these gummies.
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) announced that only three bags of the affected product are in circulation, but a complete recall is underway as a precautionary measure. In a statement, the NVWA warned against consuming the sweets due to potential health complaints like dizziness, as cannabis was found in the cola-shaped bottles.
According to NVWA spokesperson Saida Ahyad, the police in the Netherlands reported several instances of individuals, both children and adults, becoming sick after eating the cola bottles. The police are currently investigating the source of the cannabis contamination in the sweet bags.
Haribo has issued a safety warning and advised consumers not to consume the affected sweets, which carry a "best by" date of January 2026. The company, through its marketing vice-president, Patrick Tax, acknowledged the recall involves "a limited number of cases" in the eastern part of the country.
Haribo maintains the safety of its consumers as its primary concern and is working closely with the Dutch authorities to investigate the contamination and establish the facts. The current investigation is still ongoing, with the Netherlands authorities playing a pivotal role in discovering the source of the contamination.
Any consumers who have purchased the recalled products will be eligible for full refunds. The Dutch authorities advise that anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness after consuming these sweets should seek immediate medical attention.
a) Despite the limited number of affected product circulating in the Netherlands, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) advises against consuming Haribo's "Happy Cola F!ZZ" sweets due to their potential health risks associated with cannabis contamination and symptoms like dizziness.
b) As the investigation into the source of the cannabis contamination in Haribo's "Happy Cola F!ZZ" sweets continues, health-and-wellness enthusiasts may want to consider avoiding food-and-drink products from this brand until the safety issue is resolved.
