Food Standards Agency Warn Products from Sweet Brand Unsafe to Eat

The Food Standards Agency, FSA, has warned that a number of products from a brand of US sweets are unsafe to eat.

It says they contain ingredients which could damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.

UK businesses and consumers are being urged to stop buying and selling the Jolly Ranchers products, owned by US company Hershey.

The FSA says they contain chemical compounds – mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) – which are not compliant with UK laws.

The agency add that the products pose a safety risk if consumed in high quantities over a prolonged period of time.

It says, however, that there is no immediate cause for concern, as the food safety risk is low.

MOAH is a genotoxic carcinogen, therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.

MOAH and MOSH are used in confectionary to prevent stickiness and create a glossy appearance.