Haribo recalls sweets after cannabis found in cola bottles
The recall covers the 1kg Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ product, which has been on sale in the Netherlands. Several people in the country – including multiple members of one family – reported feeling unwell after eating them this week
Haribo has recalled one of its popular sweet products in the Netherlands after a shocking discovery. Several individuals in the country, which included multiple members from a single family, reported to feeling unwell after consuming the product this week. Subsequent testing revealed traces of cannabis in the product.
The recall pertains to the 1kg Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ product. A representative for the Dutch food safety authority (NVWA) stated that some consumers had experienced “dizziness” after eating the sweets.
The NVWA confirmed that samples had been tested and “cannabis was found in them”, prompting immediate contact with Haribo, who subsequently issued a safety warning.
Three packs of the product were identified as contaminated. However, as a precautionary measure, Haribo decided to recall its entire stock, reports the Mirror.
The affected bags carry a best-before date of January 2026. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The recall notice is applicable to products bearing the production code L341-4002307906. The exact size of the contaminated batch remains uncertain.
In their product recall alert, the authority stated: “Haribo warns of kilo bags of HARIBO Happy Cola F! ZZ with best-before date (BBD) January 2026.
“There are bags in circulation with sweets that can lead to health complaints, such as dizziness, when consumed. So far it concerns three bags, but as a precaution Haribo is recalling the stock in question. Do not eat the sweets.”
Customers possessing items from the affected batch are asked to send them directly to the company, rather than returning them to a store, and a full refund will be provided.
Haribo stated that other production codes for Happy Cola F!ZZ are unaffected and safe for consumption, adding that the issue is isolated to this specific batch and does not impact any of their other products. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the contaminated products are authentic Haribo items or counterfeit.
An investigation into this alleged incident has been initiated, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the NVWA. Additionally, a Haribo representative disclosed that the company is collaborating with law enforcement to “establish the facts around the contamination”.
It is essential to note that this recall announcement pertains exclusively to products distributed in the Netherlands, not in the UK. A Haribo spokesperson clarified: “The incident is contained to the Netherlands, to a specific product and batch. Haribo products in the UK are not affected.
“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.
“Haribo is working closely with the authorities to support their investigation and establish the facts around the contamination.”