‘Serious warning’ over imported American sweets and fizzy drinks with links to cancer in children 

AMERICAN sweets and drinks containing chemicals linked to cancer in children are sold in tens of thousands of UK stores, officials have warned.

Some 50,000 convenience shops across Britain stock the popular items made of additives that aren’t authorised to be used in the UK.

InstagramSome 50,000 shops in the UK sell US sweets linked to cancer in children[/caption]

Chartered Trading Standards InstituteUS sweet treats sold in Staffordshire were seized[/caption]

This includes Mountain Dew, Sunny D, Swedish Fish and Twizzlers.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said seeing so many of the products for sale in the UK was “worrying”.

E127, or Erythrosine, shown on the American products as ‘Red 3’ can trigger hyperactive behaviour, especially in children.

 While it’s still allowed in cocktail cherries, it shouldn’t be in sweets.

While E385, or calcium disodium EDTA – also found in the treats – can cause fertility problems, as well as have long-term adverse effects on child growth and brain development, studies have suggested.

Separate research found the E385 chemical can increase the risk of bowel cancer.

Additives are only authorised for use in the UK if they have been tested and proved to be safe for their intended use.

John Herriman, chief executive at CTSI, said: “It’s extremely worrying to learn that as we approach Christmas, confectionary that we know will appeal to children is on sale in UK high streets and could be linked to hyperactivity in kids, and even cancer.

“The increase in demand means importers are sending these through our ports and borders in the millions, which are then being widely distributed and ending up in retail stores and children’s hands.

“We ask that all persons placing these products on the market, including the suppliers and retailers, take their responsibilities seriously and urgently remove items from sale that contain unauthorised ingredients.

“We also urge parents to be aware.”

The waring comes after the Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team seized 3378 American treats with a street value of £8500 from local shops.

Victoria Wilson of the Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, said: “It’s quite worrying to see so many products on sale that shouldn’t be, many of which contain unauthorised ingredients and are targeted at children. 

“While most foods are safe and most stores operate within the law, it is important that imported food is accurately labelled in English with the allergens declared. 

We are seeing more and more illegal items being sold on social media websites and marketplaces, including counterfeit foods. 

“This has become even more prevalent as we approach Christmas, and our message to shoppers is to always check product labels carefully before buying.”