Worcestershire Trading Standards has issued a warning to parents about imported American confectionery after finding products containing additives that are illegal in the UK for sale in the county.
Samples purchased from two shops by Worcestershire Trading Standards Officers and tested by the public analyst were found to contain unauthorised additives.
Some of the products seized (image credit: Worcestershire Trading Standards)
One of the retailers, based in Worcester, has subsequently ceased trading – the other, also based in Worcester, has been notified of the issues. Officers are working to trace the products back to importers.
Food additives are only authorised for use in the UK if they have been tested and proved to be safe for their intended use, there is a justifiable technological need to use them, and their use does not mislead the consumer.
Worcestershire County Council Trading Standards is advising that some additives found in American candies and fizzy drinks have known links to hyperactivity and cancer in children, are illegal in the UK and should not be sold.
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire, said: “Making sure that imported food being sold in stores around Worcestershire is safe and labelled correctly is an important part of our Trading Standards work.
“It’s quite worrying to see so many products on sale that may contain unauthorised ingredients, especially as they are targeted at children.
“While we know that most foods are safe and most shops operate within the law, it is important that imported food is accurately labelled in English with the allergens declared. We are seeing more and more items being sold that do not comply with our requirements through social media websites and internet marketplaces. Our message to shoppers is to always buy from legitimate sources and check product labels carefully before buying.”
