In brief
The candy manufacturer Haribo is recalling specific batches of its popular Happy Cola F!ZZ cola-flavored candies in the Netherlands after they were found to be contaminated with cannabis, prompting health concerns among consumers. According to the Dutch food and consumer product safety authority, three bags tested positive for cannabis, which can cause dizziness and other health complaints when consumed.
Reports indicate that a family from the Twente region became ill after eating the candies, heightening concerns about the impact on young children. Authorities are currently investigating how the cannabis got into the candy, with the Dutch police stating it is still too early to determine the overall number of consumers affected. Haribo is recalling the entire batch—which consists of 1-kilogram bags with a best-before date of January 2026—despite only three contaminated bags being identified thus far. The company has advised consumers to return the affected products for a refund, assuring that other Haribo sweets remain safe to eat. A spokeswoman emphasized Haribo's commitment to thoroughly addressing the issue and cooperating with authorities. The incident raises alarms about child safety regarding marijuana edibles, particularly as similar situations have been reported in other countries, like the U.S., where accidental exposure to cannabis-infused candy among children has increased. As Haribo works closely with Dutch authorities to get to the bottom of the contamination, parents are reminded to take caution when it comes to candy, especially in light of previous incidents involving cannabis-laced sweets.Isabella Kwai is a Times reporter based in London, covering breaking news and other trends.
