Children and adults in the Netherlands became dizzy and unwell after consuming Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ gummies contaminated with cannabis, prompting an urgent recall of 8,000 bags and a police investigation into how the illicit substance infiltrated a popular candy consumed by youngsters.
Key Takeaways
- Haribo has recalled 8,000 bags of Happy Cola F!ZZ gummies in the Netherlands after confirming cannabis contamination in at least three packs.
- Multiple consumers, including children, reported feeling dizzy and unwell after eating the contaminated candy.
- The affected products have a best-before date of January 2026 and the contamination appears limited to this specific batch in the Netherlands only.
- Dutch authorities and police have launched an investigation to determine how the cannabis entered the popular candy product.
- Haribo has advised consumers not to eat the affected sweets and to return them for a refund.
Cannabis-Laced Candy Sickens Dutch Consumers
In a troubling development that raises serious questions about product safety and supply chain security, Haribo has been forced to recall its popular Happy Cola F!ZZ gummy candies in the Netherlands. The recall comes after multiple reports from consumers who experienced dizziness and other adverse effects after consuming what should have been ordinary candy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) confirmed the presence of cannabis in samples taken from the affected products, transforming what should have been an innocent treat into a potential health hazard for unsuspecting consumers, including children.
“Samples were taken and cannabis was found in them,” confirmed the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
The contamination appears limited to a specific batch of Happy Cola F!ZZ gummies with a best-before date of January 2026. As a precautionary measure, Haribo has recalled approximately 8,000 bags from store shelves across the Netherlands. The German confectionery giant has emphasized that other Haribo products, including those sold in other countries, are not affected by the contamination. This incident follows another recall last year when Haribo pulled Tangfastics in Canada due to wood contamination, raising questions about quality control processes at the beloved candy maker.
Investigation Underway As Authorities Seek Source of Contamination
Dutch authorities are treating this as a serious matter requiring a thorough investigation. Police have launched an inquiry to determine how cannabis made its way into the popular candy products. At least three packs have been confirmed to contain the illicit substance, though the full extent of the contamination remains unknown. The incident is particularly concerning given that children often consume these candies, raising questions about potential deliberate tampering or severe lapses in manufacturing protocols that allowed a controlled substance to enter products marketed to families.
“Do not eat the sweets,” warned the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
Haribo has described the situation as a “live issue” through a company spokesman, who added that they are working diligently to “establish the facts around the contamination.”
The company’s response indicates they are taking the situation seriously, but many questions remain unanswered about how such a contamination could occur in the first place. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in food safety systems and raises concerns about potential sabotage or criminal activity that could have introduced the controlled substance into the production process.
Haribo Pledges Consumer Safety as Top Priority
While the investigation continues, Haribo has urged consumers who purchased the affected product to refrain from consuming it and to return the product for a refund. The company is cooperating fully with Dutch authorities to identify the source of contamination and prevent any similar incidents in the future. The exact number of people affected by the contaminated gummies remains unknown, adding urgency to the recall efforts to prevent additional cases of unwitting cannabis consumption, especially among children who may be particularly vulnerable to the effects.
“The safety of our consumers is our highest priority, and Haribo takes this incident very seriously, which is why a recall has been issued in the Netherlands,” stated Haribo.
This alarming incident highlights the increasing challenge of maintaining product safety in a complex global supply chain. While recreational cannabis is tolerated in the Netherlands under certain conditions, its presence in products consumed by children represents a serious breach of consumer trust and safety standards. The case also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control measures in food production, particularly for products like candy that are widely consumed by children and manufactured in large volumes for international distribution.
