Does "Tattoo Popping Candy" Contain Addictive Substances? Find out the facts…

One of the strategies adopted by drug dealers to lure young clientele is mixing substances with over-the-counter pain remedies and other familiar products, at times even candy products. As a result, once in a while, viral advisory messages get shared about the detrimental effects of certain candy products.

But how many such claims are really related to drugs, and how many are exaggerations with little or no factual basis? We validated viral claims on a candy brand called "Tattoo Popping Candy", which was said to contain addictive substances and is not suitable for children.

Social Media Claims

A WhatsApp message is making rounds, alleging that the candy brand "Tattoo Popping Candy" is a concealed drug. When dissolved, it was claimed to induce a popping sensation and a slight explosion in the mouth, allowing an addictive substance to enter the body. The candy is supposedly sold in small alleys in Sri Lanka. Parents are urged to stay alert and prevent their children from consuming it.

Moreover, we also found this claim on Youtube.

Source | Archive

Given that this brand of candy is also widely sold in Thailand, we have decided to verify the truth of this claim.

Fact-Check

The candy referenced in the previous allegations is a popping candy brand named "Crack Ups," produced by Guangdong Suntai Foodstuff Co., Ltd, China. This company manufactures a variety of candies and exports to over 85 countries globally. It has earned numerous certifications, including HACCP, ISO9001, ISO22000, BRC, and others from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Thai Food and Drug Administration.

Source: Shoppee

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V.P. Thai Import Export Co., Ltd. is the company that imports and distributes in Thailand. It is registered with the FDA as per the information provided below.

(Source)

The candy's ingredients include sugar (53.16%), corn syrup (24%), lactose (22.10%), carbon dioxide gas (INS 290), synthetic colours (INS129, INS102, INS133), and natural identical flavouring.

(Source)

What causes this type of candy to pop when consumed?

The intriguing popping reaction you experience when you eat this candy is primarily due to the incorporation of carbon dioxide gas within the candy's composition. The candy is made using a special process where the gas is trapped during production. When you put the candy in your mouth, it begins to dissolve, and the previously trapped gas is suddenly released. This release of gas happens rapidly, resulting in an exciting, tingling sensation that feels almost like a mini explosion in your mouth. (Source)

National Dangerous Drugs Control Board in Sri Lanka

However, there are no reports of drugs being concealed in these products in the past and speaking to the Factcrescendo Sri Lanka team, the director of the National Narcotics Laboratory of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board in Sri Lanka stated that similar claims of candy products with popping sensation containing addictive substances were shared a few years ago as well. The director confirmed that such products were tasted in his laboratory at that time, and it was found that particular popping candy products did not include any addictive substances and the current claim appears to be made on the same lines and could be confirmed after a lab test.

At the same time, the director explained that while these products might not contain addictive substances, continuous use of these types of popping candy brands could have health hazards. These ill effects include high sugar levels that can contribute to dental cavities and may impact caloric intake. At the same time, artificial colours and flavours raise concerns over potential hypersensitivity reactions and long-term health effects.

Also, the media spokesman for the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board in Sri Lanka and the Police media spokesman stated that they had not received any complaints so far of this popping candy being used as an addictive drug substance propagation method.

Summary

The social media claim that "Tattoo Popping Candy" contains addictive substances is misleading. In truth, this candy is sold in many countries and has been certified by multiple worldwide organisations. Its popping sensation when dissolving in the mouth is due to the carbon dioxide gas it contains.

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