UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is having to issue an expeditiously withdrawn recall of Jolly Rancher candies due to massive health alert that has rocked the confectionery business. The American candy brand, which is owned by The Hershey Company, faces scrutiny as investigations found it contains dangerous mineral oil chemicals implicated in DNA harm and cancer.
Hazardous Chemicals Have Discovery
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently carried out a series of careful safety tests for imported American confectionery products. The results were alarming: several Jolly Rancher products contain two particular mineral oil hydrocarbons that are strictly prohibited by UK food safety laws.
MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons): This is the primary concern for health officials. MOAH is a genotoxic carcinogen and is capable of damaging human DNA directly, which increases the risk of other cancer types significantly.
MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons): These chemicals accumulate in human tissues and organs — such as the liver and lymphoid system — that require them, resulting in chronic inflammation.
Why Is This a Serious Concern?
Jolly Ranchers are bright and fruit-flavored, so they are typically bought from kids and growing adults. Children may be in even greater danger, experts caution since their developing bodies are at increased risk of toxicological damage. Although just one tiny piece of candy might not prove harmful, daily intake of these mineral oils is deemed long term.
Products affected by the recalls. The FSA has published a broad definition of the "Food Alert for Action" which it expanded to an entire product category as of January 16, 2026. Retailers have been instructed to take products off their shelves of these products:
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (all flavors)
- Jolly Rancher Misfits Gummies
- Jolly Rancher Fruity 2 in 1
- Jolly Rancher Berry Gummies
- Jolly Rancher Filled Pops (Newly added in 2026)
- Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried Candy (every kind).
The Manufacturer’s Response
The Hershey Company has said officially in statements that these products were for the US and international markets, where regulatory standards can differ. Although they cease to sell direct to UK to observe local law, the products have continued flooding UK shelf through third-party importers and independent distributors.
Advice for Consumers
If you have just bought some Jolly Rancher goods in the UK, government’s advice is pretty straightforward:
- Do not consume: Quit eating these candies soon afterward.
- Safe disposal: Have these products disposed of directly into your household trash.
- Report these products: If you found these products being sold at local store locations or online in the UK, please speak to your local Trading Standards department.
