CTSI has issued a stark warning to parents this Christmas about unauthorised additives in imported American snacks, sweets and fizzy drinks. The products, which are often popularised by social media influencers on platforms like TikTok, are flooding UK high streets, posing serious health risks to children.
As Christmas approaches, American confectionery has become a must-have stocking filler, with children and teenagers driving demand. The trend has grown in popularity in recent years, making these products a symbol of festive indulgence among younger audiences.
Some of the illegal American candy seized by Staffordshire Trading Standards
Dean Cooke, CTSI Lead Officer for Food, explained: “Social media has amplified the demand for American sweets, with influencers on platforms like TikTok showcasing these colourful products in ways that appeal to children and teenagers. While this drives seasonal sales, it also creates a dangerous market for items that fail to meet UK safety standards. Retailers must take responsibility to ensure compliance, and parents need to be vigilant in checking labels to protect their children from potential harm.
“Importers, by law, have to re-label products with a UK/GB address. If there is any problem with the food, customers and Trading Standards may need to contact a legally responsible person in this country. If food does not have a UK/GB address on the label, we would advise them not to buy it.”
Stars and gripes
Convenience stores and high street retailers have capitalised on the growing popularity of imported confectionery, stocking the products in record numbers to meet seasonal demand. However, the allure of American candy often masks serious risks. Many of these imported products fail to meet UK safety and legal standards, lacking proper allergen declarations or containing unauthorised additives with known health risks.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has been among those working to address the problem. During a recent pilot project funded by the Food Standards Agency, they seized 3,378 items valued at £8,500 from local shops. These products, often manufactured for foreign markets, contained unauthorised additives such as Yellow 6 (E110), thickener Carrageenan and the prohibited additive EDTA.
The inspections revealed an 89% non-compliance rate among shops, with common issues including products containing unauthorised additives; missing English labelling or allergen declarations; and expired products still being sold.
Councillor Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, commented: “Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to ensure that food sold in Staffordshire complies with safety standards. During this pilot project, we were alarmed to find over 3,300 unsafe items on sale, many of which contained unauthorised ingredients and were targeted at children. These items are often poorly labelled and can contain harmful additives, posing serious public health concerns. Parents need to stay alert and avoid products with unclear labelling, especially during the festive season.”
Consumers are urged to scrutinise labels for compliance. Items labelled with American weight measurements (ounces, fluid ounces) are likely imports. These products must adhere to UK food safety standards, including accurate allergen labelling and exclusion of unauthorised additives.
