Haribo Recalls Candy Over Cannabis Contamination in the Netherlands

Haribo in Bonn, Germany, 2021. Photo by Asif Masimov under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Several unsuspecting consumers in the Netherlands had an unpleasant surprise recently — not from a prank or mix-up at a novelty store but from their favorite gummy candy.

Haribo, the globally recognized confectionery company known for its cheerful gummy bears and tangy treats, is recalling certain products after tests revealed something much more controversial than sour sugar dust.

Reports of Illness Spark Alarm

The issue came to light after multiple people, including children and adults in one family, reportedly fell ill after consuming a 1-kilogram bag of Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ. Symptoms included dizziness and discomfort. Following these reports, police involvement led the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) to launch an investigation. Their lab testing confirmed the presence of cannabis in the sweets.

Nationwide Recall Issued

Once cannabis was detected in several bags, Haribo acted quickly. While only three contaminated packs were identified, the company issued a full recall across the Netherlands out of an abundance of caution.

The recall applies strictly to the Netherlands, with no reports of contamination or illness linked to Haribo products sold in other countries. The company emphasized that all other items on shelves remain safe to eat.

Still No Clear Explanation

What's still unclear is how cannabis ended up in the candies in the first place. Dutch police are investigating the source of the contamination. Both genuine and potentially counterfeit products are being examined. While Haribo stated it's working closely with authorities to determine the facts, they haven't confirmed whether tampering, a production flaw, or criminal activity is to blame.

According to the BBC, the NVWA has urged consumers to avoid eating any sweets from the affected batch, stating that the contaminated gummies can lead to health complaints, such as "dizziness."

They've also advised consumers not to return the product to stores, but to send it directly to Haribo for a refund.

A History of Product Warnings

This isn't the first time Haribo has dealt with a product recall. In a separate incident last year, some of its candies were pulled in Canada after wood fragments were discovered inside packages of Tangfastics. While the two incidents are unrelated, they reflect increasing scrutiny of food safety in global manufacturing chains.

For now, if you're in the Netherlands and reach for a bag of Happy Cola F!ZZ, double-check the label — or better yet, wait until the all-clear is given.

References: Haribo Recalls Bags of Sweets in Netherlands After Cannabis Found | Treat Recall: Haribo Recalls Popular Sweets Found to Contain Cannabis as Police Launch Probe Into Gummies That 'Made Family Fall Ill' | Popular Candy Recalled Due to Possible Marijuana Contamination