Haribo is withdrawing Happy Cola due to cannabis contamination.
Haribo Recalls "Happy Cola" Sweets in the Netherlands due to Cannabis Contamination
In response to the discovery of cannabis in some packets of "Happy Cola F!ZZ," Haribo has initiated a recall of the product in the Netherlands. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) announced that several individuals, including children, have experienced health problems after consuming the contaminated sweets.
Traces of cannabis were identified in three packets of the product, prompting a full recall as a precaution, even though only a few bags were found to be affected. According to the NVWA, consumption of the sweets can lead to health complaints such as dizziness.
The NVWA has urged consumers not to eat these sweets. Haribo, in consultation with the NVWA and following standard procedures, has also issued a safety warning. The marketing vice president of Haribo, Patrick Tax, confirmed that the company is prioritizing consumer safety and is cooperating fully with the investigation to determine the cause of the contamination.
The police are now investigating how the cannabis entered the fruit gums. The incident has raised concerns among consumers, as "Happy Cola" products have been a part of Haribo's range for decades.
It has been reported that the recall specifically targets 1 kilogram (1,000-gram) bags bearing the production code L341-4002307906 and a best before date of January 2026.
Background: The contamination was identified following a police investigation after a family in Twente became ill after consuming the candy. Several individuals, including children, reported symptoms such as dizziness.
This incident is currently under active investigation, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
- In light of the incident, both the Community Policy and Employment Policy of Haribo may require reassessment to ensure strict adherence to health-and-wellness standards and safeguard employee and consumer welfare.
- The discovery of cannabis in the "Happy Cola F!ZZ" sweets raises questions about the quality control measures in place during the vocational training processes, particularly in the food and drink sector, suggesting a need for improved training.
- While medical-conditions specialists are monitoring the recent cannabis contamination incident, the concerned community should be made aware of lifestyle choices that minimize the risk of exposure, particularly when it comes to food-and-drink consumption.
