Haribo has initiated a recall for its 1-kilogram packs of Happy Cola Fizz in Belgium following the detection of trace amounts of cannabis in some packages in the Netherlands, as reported by the Belgian food authority FAVV-AFSCA on Monday.
In a collaborative press statement with the agency, Haribo mentioned that consuming these candies could result in health issues like lightheadedness.
The recall involves big sacks of carbonated soft drinks bearing production code L341-4002307906 — the very lot that was previously withdrawn from the market in the Netherlands.
“Haribo initiated this recall in Belgium as a preventive step,” stated Liesbeth Van de Voorde, a representative from the Belgian food agency, to Euronews.
She mentioned that until now, no cases have been reported in Belgium where individuals fell ill from consuming these candies. “To address this, we’ve established a customer service line, but as of yet, we haven’t heard about any problems arising in Belgium.”
Individuals are urgently urged to refrain from consuming the recalled candies. If they have been consumed, it is advisable to promptly consult with a general practitioner.
Sick from sweets?
One-kilogram packages of sour candies had been removed from stores in the Netherlands after multiple individuals, both adults and children, reportedly fell ill subsequent to consuming them.
A test sample showed that the item contained cannabis following notification of the problem to law enforcement. The Dutch authorities have initiated an investigation into how the sweets became tainted with these substances.
So far, only three bags have been identified in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, Haribo has decided to recall all their products from this particular batch across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Patrick Tax, who leads marketing for Haribo in both the Netherlands and Belgium, stated to local Belgian press that the investigation by the authorities pertains only to a select few reports and focuses specifically on one product located in eastern parts of the Netherlands.
The recall specifically affects Haribo’s 1-kilogram packages of Happy Cola Fizz with an expiration date up to January 2026 and production code L341-4002307906.
The identity of the Belgian stores selling these big packages remains unclear. Van de Voorde further noted that this is the sole item about which the agency has gathered data, indicating that no other items are presently considered risky.
Consumers are requested to return the item to the Belgian headquarters instead of bringing it back to the original point of purchase for a refund. Those affected must share their information along with their banking details to get reimbursed.
