Sweet and salty contraband

Many food additives that are allowed in in other countries are banned by the EU and UK: ingredients such as brominated vegetable oil and bleached flour and additives including certain food colorings. These ingredients have been linked to a variety of health issues including cancer. Normally this isn’t something that would cause a stir, but demand for US snacks and sweets trending on TikTok and other social media platforms are driving a spike in contraband items being sold in shops around the UK.

Illegal imports of sweets that contain the banned ingredients are “flooding UK high streets,” according to concerned city councils. Local health authorities are cautioning residents not to eat the products but to report them to officials instead. They are worried that most of these products are being consumed by children who are eager to try products that influencers showcase in their reels – things like Swedish Fish candies, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and Prime Hydration drinks.

Consumers can identify most of the illegally imported products by looking for clues on the label. If the measurements are in ounces/fluid ounces, the product is likely contraband. They can also check the ingredients to see if they include artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5. Speaking as someone who has consumed most of these products – you aren’t missing much by not eating them.