BELGIUM: HARIBO WITHDRAWS SWEETS AFTER CANNABIS FOUND IN DUTCH BATCHES

FOOD ALERT • Haribo has initiated a precautionary recall in Belgium for specific 1kg batches of Happy Cola Fizz gummy candies, following the discovery of cannabis traces in some packages in the Netherlands. Consumption of these sweets could lead to health issues such as dizziness.

Brussels, June 2, 2025 – Confectionery manufacturer Haribo has requested the withdrawal from sale in Belgium of certain 1kg bags of Happy Cola Fizz after traces of cannabis were found in some packages in the Netherlands, the Belgian food agency Favv-Afsca confirmed on Monday.

In a joint statement with the agency, Haribo noted that consuming these candies could lead to health problems such as dizziness. The recall specifically concerns large bags of cola-flavored gummy candies with production code L341-4002307906 – the same batch that was previously recalled in the Netherlands.

"Haribo has initiated this recall in Belgium as a precautionary measure," Liesbeth Van de Voorde, spokesperson for the Belgian food agency, told Euronews. "So far in Belgium, no reports of illness after consuming the product have been received. We have set up a consumer hotline for this purpose, but we have not received any news of problems in Belgium." It is strongly advised not to eat these candies. If consumed, it is recommended to contact a general practitioner immediately.

Recall Also Extended to Netherlands and Luxembourg

The one-kilogram bags of cola-flavored candies have already been withdrawn from sale in the Netherlands following reports of illness from several people in the country, including adults and children. A sample test revealed that the product was found to contain cannabis. Dutch authorities are now investigating how the contamination occurred.

In the Netherlands, only three packages are currently involved. However, Haribo is recalling the entire stock in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. "The authorities' investigation concerns a limited number of reports and a specific product in the eastern part of the Netherlands," said Patrick Tax, Marketing Manager at Haribo Netherlands and Belgium.

The recall only affects 1kg bags of Haribo Happy Cola Fizz with an expiry date up to January 2026 and production code L341-4002307906. Van de Voorde added that this is the only product for which the agency has received information, meaning that no other product is currently considered at risk.

Instead of returning the product to the store where it was purchased, consumers are advised to send it to the Belgian headquarters. Affected consumers should provide their personal details and bank account number to receive a refund.