SPRING 2024 CANDY STORES SWEET TRUTH American candy has had an upsurge in popularity, but many of the ingredients are not authorised for sale in the UK The popularity of American and similar imported candy has grown in the past few years because of promotion on social media. Hundreds of brightly fronted American candy stores have sprung up on our high streets and it is estimated that 50,000 convenience stores also stock the products. Confectionery is a good business opportunity, but retailers need to be aware that some imported sweets and fizzy drinks contain ingredients that are not authorised to be sold in the UK and Europe. Excessive consumption has been linked to health issues, including allergic reactions, sickness and cancer in children. Staffordshire County Council ran a pilot project last year for the Food Standards Agency that led to 3,378 illegal candy and drink items, worth 8,500, being seized It is an offence to sell foods that contain additives that do not comply with UK requirements. Food additives for example, colourings and flavour enhancers must have been tested and proved to be safe before they are authorised for use. Not all additives are approved for use in all food categories. Staffordshire County Council ran a pilot project last year for the Food Standards Agency that led to 3,378 illegal candy and drink items, worth 8,500, being seized. Food business operators (FBO) are responsible for ensuring illegal food and drink is not sold. You must keep information on who supplies your food for sale, and the easiest way to do this is to keep all your invoices and receipts. Make sure the supplier gives you fully referenced invoices that include their trading name, UK postal address and contact details. You should carry out basic checks before buying and selling new products. You may not realise a product is non-compliant. If a supplier, or social media, is highlighting new or exciting TikTok trend products, ask where they have come from and check whether: The label has information in English Allergens are highlighted in bold or capitals within the ingredients list The ingredients list has any colours used labelled with the correct E number and, where required, a warning about the adverse effect of colour on children Any other additives are listed, if they have the GB name and function listed, and if they are authorised to be used in that food category Nutritional information is in the correct format Details of the FBO are on the label. If the answer to any of the above is no, you must not sell the item, as it is potentially unsafe. Remove anything non-compliant that is currently for sale and return it to your supplier. Officers can take enforcement action when contraventions are found, ranging from informal advice to seizure and detention of products, and prosecution in court. Many local councils now have an advisory leaflet or information on their websites. Credit: Helen Cameron, Chartered Environmental Health practitioner Image: iStock.com / kostenkodesign For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on Anonymous Hotline 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.