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Candy manufacturer Haribo has recalled its 1-kilogram bags of Happy Cola Fizz in Belgium after traces of cannabis were found in some bags in the Netherlands, the Belgian food agency FAVV-AFSCA confirmed on Monday.
In a joint press release with the agency, Haribo noted that consumption of these sweets can lead to health complaints such as dizziness.
The withdrawal concerns large bags of fizzy colas with production code L341-4002307906 — the same batch that was recalled earlier in the Netherlands.
“Haribo has carried out this recall in Belgium as a precautionary measure,” Belgian food agency spokesperson Liesbeth Van de Voorde told Euronews.
She noted that, so far, no reports have been received in Belgium of people becoming unwell after eating the sweets. “We have set up a consumer hotline for this purpose, and we have not received any news of issues in Belgium.”
People are strongly advised not to eat the recalled sweets. In case of consumption, it is recommended to contact a GP immediately.
Sick from sweets?
The one-kilogram bags of sour candies were already withdrawn from sale in the Netherlands following reports that several people in the country, including adults and children, reported feeling unwell after eating these sweets.
A sample testing revealed that the product was laced with cannabis after police were notified of the issue. Dutch authorities are now investigating how the candy became contaminated with these drugs.
In the Netherlands, only three bags are involved so far. Still, Haribo is recalling the entire stock in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
“The authorities’ investigation concerns a limited number of reports and one specific product in the east of the Netherlands,” Patrick Tax, marketing head for Haribo Netherlands and Belgium, told domestic media in Belgium.
The withdrawal only concerns Haribo’s 1-kilogram bags of Happy Cola Fizz with an expiry date until January 2026 and production code L341-4002307906.
It is not clear which Belgian shops were selling these large packs. Van de Voorde added that this is the only product for which the agency has received information, meaning no other products are currently deemed a risk.
Instead of returning it to the store where they purchased it, consumers are asked to send the product to the Belgian head office. Affected consumers should provide their details and bank account number to receive a refund.
