Health Concerns Raised Over Imported Products Containing Banned Ingredients
February 11, 2025 – UK – Authorities have issued an urgent warning over imported American sweets and fizzy drinks containing banned and potentially harmful ingredients that have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and kidney damage.
The warning comes from Manchester City Council’s Environmental Health team and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), who have flagged concerns about the widespread availability of these illegal products in UK stores.
Dangerous Ingredients Found in Popular Treats
Some of the banned substances found in these products have been associated with hyperactivity in children, behavioural issues, organ damage, and severe allergic reactions. Consumers are being urged to check labels carefully before purchasing imported goods.
Products Named in the Warning Include:
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
- Fanta Pineapple
- Mtn Dew
- Swedish Fish
- Prime Hydration
- Cheetos Crunchy
- Twizzlers Strawberry Twists and Rainbow Twists
While some of these brands do sell products that comply with UK food standards, imported versions may contain dangerous additives and banned chemicals.
Banned and Harmful Ingredients to Look Out For:
Linked to Cancer and Organ Damage:
- Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
- E127, Erythrosine (Red 3 in the US)
- Mineral Oil (potential contamination risk)
- Bleached Flour
Known to Cause Hyperactivity and Behavioural Issues in Children:
- Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)
- Quinoline Yellow (E104)
- Carmoisine (E122)
- Allura Red (E129)
- Tartrazine (E102)
- Ponceau 4R (E124)
Banned in Drinks but Still Found in Some Imports:
- Calcium Disodium EDTA (E385) – has been linked to colon cancer in mice and reproductive issues in animal studies.
- Erythorbic Acid (E315) – restricted for use in drinks due to potential adverse effects.
Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Sales
Manchester’s Environmental Health team is seizing illegal products from local shops and educating shopkeepers about the dangers of selling these items.
A spokesperson for CTSI Chief Executive John Herriman said:
“The UK prides itself on high food standards, but this relies on Trading Standards ensuring that what is on sale complies with the law. Social media is increasing the demand for these harmful products, with millions being imported and ending up in UK stores.”
Authorities are urging retailers and importers to immediately remove any non-compliant products from sale. Parents are also advised to carefully check labels and report any products containing banned ingredients to their local Trading Standards office.
How to Stay Safe
- Check ingredient labels before purchasing imported sweets and drinks.
- Avoid products with banned additives listed above.
- Report any concerns to Trading Standards via [email protected].
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as authorities continue their investigation.
