If you’ve been indulging in American sweets and fizzy drinks, you might want to check the ingredients before taking another bite or sip.

Experts have raised concerns over a growing number of imported US products containing substances that are banned in the UK due to their potential health risks, including links to cancer, heart problems, and hyperactivity in children.

Health Officials Sound the Alarm

According to an investigation by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), several popular American snacks and beverages have made their way onto UK shelves despite containing banned ingredients.

As a result, Manchester City Council’s Environmental Health team has issued a fresh warning, urging consumers to avoid certain products and report any sightings to local authorities.

Among the products flagged in the latest warning are Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, Fanta Pineapple, Mountain Dew, Swedish Fish, Prime Hydration, Cheetos Crunchy, and Twizzlers Strawberry and Rainbow Twists.

What’s in These Products That’s Raising Concern?

Some of the questionable ingredients found in these American imports include:

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) – Previously used in Mountain Dew, this chemical has been linked to memory loss, thyroid issues, and nervous system disorders.
Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine) – Found in jelly beans and candied cherries, this dye has been banned in some countries due to its potential link to cancer.
White Mineral Oil – A substance used in Swedish Fish and other sweets, which has been associated with digestive issues and even the formation of cancer-causing compounds.
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow, E110) – A synthetic food dye found in some crisps and sweets that has been linked to hyperactivity in children.

Manchester’s Warning: Take This Seriously

Manchester officials are taking strict action by seizing illegal products from local shops and educating shopkeepers on the risks.

The council released a statement saying:

“Imported sweets and fizzy drinks with known links to hyperactivity and cancer have flooded the UK. Here in Manchester, we’re taking this very seriously. Our Environmental Health team is removing illegal products from local shops, and we strongly urge you not to buy them—especially for children. If you spot a product containing a banned ingredient, please report it to contact@manchester.gov.uk.”

The alert highlights the fact that these banned additives have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including cancer, kidney damage, heart disease, and even problems with insulin response.

Other symptoms associated with these substances include dizziness, nausea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite.

A Growing Issue Across the UK

This isn’t the first time concerns have been raised.

Back in December, CTSI reported that over 4,000 potentially harmful products worth £8,500 were confiscated in Staffordshire alone.

Investigators found a large number of crisps containing Yellow 6, which is restricted in the UK due to its potential effect on children’s behavior.

Another alarming discovery was the presence of EDTA (Calcium Disodium), a preservative found in US versions of Mountain Dew that has been completely banned from fizzy drinks in the UK.

Studies suggest EDTA may contribute to fertility issues and colon cancer.

The FDA and Global Bans on These Ingredients

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned BVO last year after growing evidence linked it to serious health concerns.

Just last month, Red Dye 3 was also outlawed in America due to its potential cancer risks.

Meanwhile, Japan, India, and the entire European Union have already banned these substances.

While BVO is not classified as a direct carcinogen, its connection to headaches, impaired balance, and nervous system issues has raised enough concern for multiple countries to take action. Inhaling bromine—the key component in BVO—can also cause irritation in the throat, lungs, and stomach.

Other Additives That Could Affect Children’s Behavior

Parents should also be aware of several artificial food dyes still used in some US-imported sweets that can trigger hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children. These include:

Sunset Yellow (E110)
Quinoline Yellow (E104)
Carmoisine (E122)
Allura Red (E129)
Ponceau 4R (E124)

Although these colorants are not outright banned in the UK, any food containing them must carry a warning label stating:

“May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”

Imported Sweets and Drinks Are Under Investigation

A previous MailOnline investigation revealed that many American sweets containing banned ingredients were being sold in newsagents, souvenir shops, and specialty candy stores across London. In July last year, another report found unauthorized additives in popular brands like Swedish Fish and Lemonheads.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has acknowledged the problem and is working with Trading Standards to crack down on businesses selling unsafe imports. The FSA advises customers to be cautious of products that:

Look different from their usual UK counterparts
Display weight measurements in non-UK units (e.g., ounces instead of grams)
List ingredients using American terminology

What Can You Do?

If you come across sweets or drinks that seem questionable, report them to your local Trading Standards office. The FSA has promised to take action if food safety risks are confirmed, and they encourage consumers to sign up for alerts at food.gov.uk.

With growing concerns over these ingredients, it’s more important than ever to check what’s in your snacks—especially if you’re buying imported treats. Stay informed, stay safe, and always read the labels!

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This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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