Haribo, the well-known candy maker, is currently investigating a possible contamination incident involving its popular Happy Cola F!ZZ gummies in the Netherlands. The gummies are believed to have been contaminated with cannabis, which has led to several reported illnesses. Consequently, Haribo has initiated a countrywide recall of the product in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) received complaints from consumers, including several family members, who reported feeling dizzy after consuming the gummy candies. Following these reports, the NVWA carried out tests on samples of the product. The agency confirmed to Dutch media outlet Hart van Nederland that cannabis was detected in the samples and issued a public warning against consuming the candies.
Currently, only one batch of candy in the Netherlands is suspected of contamination. Haribo has reassured that supplies in the United States and other countries are unaffected. The candy manufacturer is collaborating with the police and the NVWA to investigate the incident further. So far, the NVWA has identified at least three packs of the gummies that were contaminated with cannabis.
As a safety measure, Haribo is recalling all of its Happy Cola F!ZZ gummies in the Netherlands. The company is removing all packages of the gummies with a best-before date of January 2026 from store shelves. Customers who return the product will be given a full refund.
Haribo has emphasized that consumer safety is their top priority and they are taking this incident very seriously, hence the recall in the Netherlands. The exact number of people who became sick due to the contaminated batch is still unknown. Officials have confirmed that no other Haribo products have been affected by this incident.