The American Candy Controversy: Why Twizzlers Are Caught in the Crossfire
For many Americans, Twizzlers are a nostalgic and beloved candy. However, for those living in or visiting certain countries, particularly in Europe, finding a bag of the familiar cherry-flavored twists is nearly impossible. This is not due to a universal ban on the brand, but rather a clash between the specific formulation of US-market Twizzlers and the food safety regulations of other nations. Authorities in the UK and elsewhere have seized imported US candy, including Twizzlers, for containing unapproved ingredients, highlighting a significant divide in international food standards.
The Ingredients That Trigger Bans
The restrictions placed on imported American Twizzlers are not arbitrary but are tied to specific ingredients that are either outright banned or heavily regulated in other jurisdictions. These ingredients often have different levels of safety approval and require different labeling in different parts of the world.
The Role of Red 40 (E129)
One of the most well-known culprits is the artificial coloring Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or E129 in Europe. While commonly used in the US, the EU mandates that products containing this and other certain synthetic dyes must carry a warning label stating that they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". Though not a complete ban on the dye itself, this strict labeling requirement means that imported US Twizzlers, which do not carry this specific warning, are not compliant with EU law. This contrasts with the US approach, where the FDA, while regulating food dyes, does not require the same hyperactivity warning.
The Problem with Mineral Oil
Another key ingredient that causes issues for US-market Twizzlers is mineral oil. In the US, mineral oil is used as a processing agent in some confectionery products. However, in the UK and other regions, its use in candy is not authorized due to food safety and contamination concerns. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has explicitly mentioned mineral oil as an unauthorized additive found in seized imported American candy, including Twizzlers.
US vs. International Candy Formulations
The existence of these different regulatory environments means that major food manufacturers like Hershey often produce different versions of their products for different markets. A Twizzlers product intended for sale in Canada, for example, will likely have a different ingredient list than one sold in the US, to ensure compliance with Canadian food standards. This strategy allows the brand to be sold internationally without being in conflict with local laws.
Comparison of Ingredients: US vs. UK/EU Twizzlers (Hypothetical Imported vs. Compliant)
| Feature | US-Market Twizzlers (Imported) | UK/EU (Compliant Formulation) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Red Dye | Red 40 (Allura Red AC) | May use E120 (Carmine) or natural colorants like beet juice |
| Associated Regulations | FDA standards; no hyperactivity warning required | EU E129 requires hyperactivity warning; other E-numbers have specific regulations |
| Use of Mineral Oil | Used as a processing agent in US formulation | Not permitted in confectionery |
| Overall Legality | Legal for sale in the US. Illegal for commercial import and sale in the UK and some EU areas. | Compliant with local regulations; typically a reformulated product. |
| Consumer Warning | Standard US labeling. | Requires specific labeling and warnings for certain additives. |
The Red Dye #3 Ban: A Separate Issue
It's important to distinguish the issues with Red 40 and mineral oil from the recent US ban on Red Dye #3 (Erythrosine). In January 2025, the FDA officially banned Red Dye #3 from food and ingested drugs due to cancer concerns based on animal studies. While Twizzlers did contain Red Dye #3 in the past, Hershey reformulated the product years prior and it is not a factor in the current international import issues. However, the ban highlights the shifting landscape of food additive regulation even within the US and its contrast with long-standing EU restrictions on the same dye.
Conclusion: A Globalized Market with Local Rules
Ultimately, the question of whether Twizzlers are banned internationally depends on the country and the product's specific formulation. The brand is not globally blacklisted, but the version sold in the US often contains additives that do not meet the stricter food safety standards of regions like the UK and EU. The result is that while American tourists might find their favorite snack seized at the border, local consumers can often find an internationally compliant version on their own grocery shelves. This case serves as a prime example of how a globalized market must contend with a patchwork of local food safety laws, making cross-border snacking an unexpectedly complicated affair. More information on global food safety standards can be found on the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
