Xmas warning to parents over banned stocking filler sweets ‘flooding’ UK shops & posing ‘serious’ health risk to kids
Banned candies “flooding” UK stores in the lead-up to Christmas has prompted warnings for parents.
There may be prohibited ingredients in hundreds of thousands of candies, snacks, and carbonated beverages that are connected to behavioral issues and potentially some types of cancer.
Some products used chemically bleached flour, which is prohibited in the UK due to its associations with cancer.
Some sweets also included another petroleum-derived ingredient that may raise the risk of bladder and skin cancer.
Numerous crisps were found to contain Yellow 6, also known as E110, a synthetic food pigment that is prohibited in the UK and promotes hyperactivity in youngsters.
The edible was also found to contain the preservative EDTA, which is prohibited in the UK but is included in the American version of Mountain Dew.
Research on this substance has also shown connections to colon cancer and infertility issues.
Several jelly sweets were also found to contain carrageenan, a thickening derived from red seaweed.
It is prohibited from being used to jelly confections because of its firm texture, which could cause choking hazards for children, even though it is not a prohibited drug.
Concerns are raised regarding imported American food and candy, which have grown in popularity among British kids and teens as a result of influencers’ TikTok posts about them.
Following an examination by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), which discovered 4,000 potentially hazardous products seized in Staffordshire, the notice was issued.
Staffordshire County Councillor Victoria Wilson stated: “Consumers are encouraged to carefully examine labels to ensure compliance.
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“Imported goods are probably those that are labeled with American weight measurements (ounces, fluid ounces).
“These products must adhere to UK food safety standards, including accurate allergen labelling and exclusion of unauthorised additives.”
Pictures show that among the items seized by officials were Cheetos Crisps, Jolly Ranchers, Swedish Fish, Lemonheads, and Twizzlers, though CTSI did not specify which specific products had been seized.
The desire for American sweets has increased due to social media, since influencers on sites like TikTok present these vibrant goods in ways that appeal to kids and teens, according to Dean Cooke, CTSI’s lead officer for food.
Items seized
In a recent Food Standards Agency-funded pilot operation, they confiscated 3,378 goods from nearby stores, totaling 8,500. These goods, which were frequently produced for overseas markets, included unapproved additions like:
- 1,750 cans/bottles of drinks containing EDTA.
- 1,545 packets of crisps containing Yellow 6 (E110).
- 400 packets of sweets containing mineral oil, bleached flour, or carrageenan.
“This promotes seasonal sales, but it also fosters a risky market for products that don’t adhere to UK safety regulations.
“In order to safeguard their children from potential danger, parents must be careful in examining labels, and retailers must assume responsibility for ensuring compliance.
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Laws require importers to re-label goods with a UK or GB address. Customers and Trading Standards may need to get in touch with a legally liable individual in this nation if there is an issue with the food.
“We would advise them not to purchase food if the label does not include a UK or GB address.
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