UK Officials Issue New Warnings on Harmful Additives in Popular American Snacks

Devon County Council has raised concerns about the safety of American snacks and sugary drinks. The Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, which oversees Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay, noted that an increasing number of imported sweets are popping up in local shops without approval for sale in the UK.

Inspectors have been visiting shops unannounced. They’re looking for sweets, cereals, snacks, and drinks that don’t meet UK food standards. Recently, they found and removed products that either contain unauthorized additives or have misleading labels. These items are often made for markets outside the UK and do not follow the country’s safety regulations.

Here are five additives commonly found in American products that are banned in the UK:

• Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
• E127 (Erythrosine, also called Red 3)
• Mineral oil/white mineral oil
• Bleached flour
• Zinc aspartate

Julie Richardson, the lead food officer at the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, stated, “We’re noticing more banned products on store shelves. If you come across unfamiliar sweets, check the label for these additives. Retailers must remove items with these unauthorized ingredients.”

In the UK, additives can only be used if they’ve been proven safe for specific food or drink applications. If a product is made in the U.S. and hasn’t received UK approval, it will list “Nutrition Facts” instead of the UK standard. Additionally, U.S. products display weights in ounces or fluid ounces, while UK products use grams or milliliters.

Rufus Gilbert, who oversees Trading Standards, emphasizes that shoppers should always check labels before making purchases. “It’s vital to ensure imported foods are safe and accurately labeled. Kids often urge their parents to buy these sweets without realizing they may contain banned ingredients. Retailers should only buy from trustworthy suppliers, and they can reach out to us if unsure about a product.”

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has previously voiced concerns about these unsafe additives. For instance, in Staffordshire, a project funded by the Food Standards Agency resulted in the confiscation of 3,700 items worth about £10,000 from local stores. In 2024, tests of American sweets from shops in Worcester revealed prohibited additives, and over 670 items from an Oxford street candy store were destroyed after an inspection.

UK officials have discussed these safety issues with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the FDA’s ability to intervene is limited since these products are produced for the American market and comply with U.S. regulations. Staying informed and cautious about the snacks you buy is key to ensuring your food choices are safe.

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