While I no longer eat much candy, there’s something about a Haribo classic that brings a smile to your face.
Whether it was the staple Goldbears, Happy Cherries, or Fizzy Cola, taking a bite could instantly transport you back to your childhood.
You’d find these brightly colored gummies at birthday parties, on movie nights, or tucked into lunchboxes. They were an easy joy — one that you didn’t question.
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Haribo’s whimsical packaging and iconic bear mascot made the brand instantly recognizable. The candies struck the perfect balance between chewy and sweet, and they became a global favorite.
Today, Haribo produces over 100 million Goldbears every day across 16 countries. Its treats are sold in more than 100 markets worldwide.
But now, one of Haribo’s happiest candies is making headlines for a very unhappy reason — and customers are noticing.
A surprising issue forced Haribo to recall some of its fan-favorite treats.
Image source: Shutterstock
Haribo faces troubling recall after customers report illness
Bags of Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ are being pulled from store shelves in the Netherlands after some were found with traces of cannabis.
You read that right: accidental weed gummies.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), several adults and children reported feeling ill after eating the gummies. The reports triggered an investigation, which uncovered that some bags had been contaminated.
Haribo quickly responded to the findings in a statement issued by the NVWA, confirming it has begun recalling bags with a best-before date of January 2026 and warning customers to avoid them.
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“Although only three bags were found to be contaminated, the company decided to take precautionary measures,” Haribo said.
The source of the contamination remains unknown, and local authorities are continuing to investigate. In the meantime, Haribo is working closely with Dutch regulators to pinpoint the cause.
The recall impacts select stores in the Netherlands, but Haribo is urging consumers who purchased the product to return it immediately.
Haribo moves to protect its trusted global brand after product scare
Haribo products in other countries remain unaffected by this issue. The company was quick to clarify that no similar reports have surfaced elsewhere and that its production lines outside the Netherlands are cannabis-free.
Still, it’s a sharp reminder that when your candy sells in over 100 countries, even one batch gone wrong can cause a global headache. With global candy sales expected to hit $278.36 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights, consumer trust is more valuable than ever.
For Haribo, protecting its brand and customers’ trust is critical. The company has built its reputation on fun, family-friendly products. A contamination scandal could have long-term implications if not addressed swiftly.
The company’s fast action may help limit damage. But in an age of viral headlines, a single misstep can erode decades of goodwill.
As Haribo works to contain the fallout, it’s a reminder that even the most beloved brands must remain vigilant.
For now, this surprise batch may be the closest we’ll get to official Haribo edibles —and you can bet the candy giant is working fast to keep it that way.
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