Haribo Issues Recall of Dutch Sweets After Cannabis Contamination

Haribo has issued a recall for its Happy Cola F!ZZ sweets in the Netherlands after trace amounts of cannabis were found, leading to reports of illness among some consumers. The confectionery company is collaborating with authorities to unravel the source of the contamination.

Haribo has initiated a precautionary recall of its 1kg bags of Happy Cola F!ZZ sweets in the Netherlands after traces of cannabis were detected, impacting several consumers who reported experiencing symptoms like dizziness post-consumption. Reports suggested that a family fell ill after eating the sweets, prompting the Dutch food safety authority (NVWA) to take samples, which confirmed the presence of the substance.

In total, three contaminated bags were identified; however, Haribo is proactively recalling its entire stock, citing safety as its top priority. A spokesperson for Haribo mentioned that they are working alongside law enforcement to determine how cannabis came to be included in the sweets. The specific bags, which are to be returned, all have a best-before date of January 2026.

While the precise number of individuals affected remains unclear, NVWA has warned consumers against eating these products, emphasizing that the contaminated bags could trigger various health complaints. The authorities have launched an investigation to assess whether the affected bags were legitimate or counterfeit.

Haribo clarified that the recall currently applies only in the Netherlands and confirmed that other regions remain unaffected. All unaffected products are deemed safe for consumption, reassuring customers of the company's commitment to their safety.