Haribo is withdrawing Happy Cola product due to suspected cannabis contamination.
In the Netherlands, Haribo has initiated a recall of its "Happy Cola F!ZZ" sweets following the discovery of cannabis traces in select packets. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has warned consumers not to consume the product after several individuals, including children, reported health issues following consumption.
Contamination of cannabis was confirmed by the NVWA in the cola bottle-shaped sweets. Although only three packets were directly affected, the recall encompasses all stock bearing the specific production code L341-4002307906 and a best-before date of January 2026, nationwide.
The initial contamination report was made to police by a family in Twente, who experienced adverse effects after consuming the sweets. A forensic investigation by police then exposed the presence of cannabis in the bags, leading to the NVWA's involvement. The authorities are now working together to investigate the root cause of the contamination and determine how the cannabis entered the product during production or distribution.
Haribo's Vice-President of Marketing emphasized the company's commitment to consumer safety, pledging support for the ongoing investigation. The recall affects only a limited number of cases in the eastern part of the Netherlands, but the full withdrawal is a precautionary measure to safeguard public health.
In summary:
- Product recalled: Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ, 1 kg bags, production code L341-4002307906, best before January 2026.
- Reason: Cannabis contamination found in the candy.
- Health impact: Several people, including children, became ill with symptoms like dizziness.
- Investigation: Police and Dutch food safety authority are actively investigating how cannabis entered the product.
- Action: Complete recall of the batch as a precaution; consumers warned not to consume the product.
- Haribo's Community policy has led to the recall of its "Happy Cola F!ZZ" sweets due to contamination with cannabis, prompting the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) to advise against consumption.
- In the wake of adverse health-and-wellness effects, such as dizziness, reported by several individuals, including children, following consumption of the sweets, both the police and NVWA are conducting an investigation to trace the medical-conditions causing the cannabis contamination in the candies.
- To prioritize health-and-wellness and ensure lifestyle choices remain safe for consumers, Haribo has expanded their vocational training programs to include comprehensive organic food-and-drink production protocols that avoid unwanted substances like cannabis.
