Watch out for Imported American Candy with illegal additives on sale in Worcestershire

Despite an increase in popularity through social media channels, some of the American candy is actually illegal to sell in the UK, due to the unauthorised additives in some products.

Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is advising parents to be aware of unauthorised ingredients contained in imported American sweets and fizzy drinks, particularly with children currently on school holidays.

The American products, which have known links to hyperactivity and cancer in children, are illegal in the UK and should not be sold.  Action has been taken to remove several items imported from America from shop shelves.

These items include:

• Mountain Dew, canned and bottled drinks of many varieties
• Mirinda
• Sunny D
• Swedish Fish
• Dubble Bubble
• Jolly Rancher gummies and hard candy
• Hot Tamales
• Twizzlers
• Lemonhead
• Unauthorised additives, that have been found in sweets include 
• Brominated Vegetable oil (BVO)
• E127, Erythrosine (shown on US products as Red 3)
• Mineral Oil
• Bleached Flour

Samples purchased from two shops in Worcester and tested by the public analyst were found to contain unauthorised additives.

One of the outlets in Worcester has subsequently ceased trading and the other outlet identified in this work has been notified of the issues. Officers continue to trace the products back to importers.  

Food additives are only authorised for use in the UK if they have been tested and proved to be safe for its intended use i.e., in that food or drink, that there is a justifiable technological need to use it, and its use does not mislead the consumer.

Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire said: 
"Making sure that imported food being sold in stores around Worcestershire is safe and labelled correctly is an important part of our Trading Standards work.

It's quite worrying to see so many products on sale that may contain unauthorised ingredients, especially as they are targeted at children.
While we know that most foods are safe and most shops operate within the law, it is important that imported food is accurately labelled in English with the allergens declared. We are seeing more and more items being sold that do not comply with our requirements through social media websites and internet marketplaces. Our message to shoppers is to always buy from legitimate sources and check product labels carefully before buying."

Worcestershire Trading Standards has already identified a number of businesses selling the products, however if consumers spot such products or have concerns, they can inform the team by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 (anonymously if you wish) or via their online form or anonymously via the Worcestershire Trading Standards ‘Tip Us Off’ page on their website.  

There is also a general Trading Standards e-mail address: TSEnquiries@WorcestershireTS.gov.uk