The Hershey Company, a leading American snack giant, faces scrutiny as its Jolly Rancher candy series has been identified by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) for containing potentially cancer-causing 'genotoxic' substances. The FSA indicated that four types of Jolly Rancher candies contain mineral oils (MOAH) and saturated hydrocarbon mineral oils (MOSH) exceeding safety standards, posing risks of DNA damage and increased cancer risks.

In conjunction with investigations by UK authorities, Hershey plans to collaborate with the UK government in 2024 to facilitate the removal of these products from the market, although many are still circulating. The UK authorities have urged citizens not to consume these products and have dispatched health units to stores to conduct inspections.

The FSA advises the public against consuming the following four types of Jolly Rancher candies:

• Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
• Jolly Rancher 'Misfits' Gummies
• Jolly Rancher Fruity 2 in 1
• Jolly Rancher Berry Gummies

Hershey responded by asserting that product safety and quality remain their primary focus, stating, 'Our products are safe,' while noting that they cannot guarantee compliance with all regulations in other countries for all products manufactured in the U.S. They recommend that consumers purchase from trusted sources to ensure product safety.