By Mantasha - May 29, 2025
Nationwide to provide £100 payment to eligible members; reports record pre-tax profit. Haribo recalls sweets in eastern Netherlands due to safety concerns; offers refunds and warns against consumption of affected batches. Haribo responds to THC smuggling concerns, advises customers to check specified batch code on Happy Cola F!ZZ sweets for safety.
Haribo via Daily Record
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Eligible members will receive the £100 payment directly into their Nationwide current accounts between 18 June and 4 July 2025. The transaction will appear as "Nationwide Fairer Share Payment." Nationwide reported a record pre-tax profit of £2.3 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2025, an increase from under £1.8 billion the previous year. This growth was bolstered by the £2.9 billion acquisition of Virgin Money and a surge in mortgage lending.
The recalled sweets are legitimate Haribo products with a use-by date of January 2026 and a specific product code. Haribo emphasized consumer safety and is cooperating fully with authorities, offering full refunds for returned products. Patrick Tax, Haribo's marketing vice-president, noted the issue was limited to a small number of cases in the eastern Netherlands. Authorities have warned the public against consuming the affected batches.
This incident comes amid concerns about criminals using children’s sweets to smuggle THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, with similar cases noted in recent years. Consumers are advised to check their Happy Cola F!ZZ sweets for the specified batch code and refrain from consuming them if they match the affected lot. Haribo has set up a dedicated helpline and website for customers seeking more information or wishing to return the products for a refund.
The company is working closely with Dutch authorities to support the ongoing investigation and ensure that such incidents do not recur. Haribo has also reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of product safety and quality.