Consumer group Choice has released a report warning parents about the highly acidic nature of certain sour lollies.
The report found that 20 sour lolly brands available in Australia can increase the risk of irreversible tooth decay when consumed.
“We found that prolonged contact with these sour lollies can also cause burns, ulcerations and bleeding,” Tom Godfrey from Choice tells SBS.
The report was sparked by a number of claims from parents that their children had burns on their tongues and mouths from sour lollies. The lollies were tested in an independent lab, and the findings showed that many of the lollies were more acidic than vinegar or lemon juice.
“When you consider that stomach acid has a pH of 1, TNT Mega Sour Grenades were coming in at 1.83 and the Brain liquor sour candy drink was 1.94,” says Godfrey.
One of Choice’s key concerns was that certain brands encouraged kids to see how long they could hold the lollies in their mouths.
“The Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy challenges kids to keep these lollies in their mouths for up to 60 seconds,” he said.
The more insidious issue with sour lollies is their increased potential for irreversibly damaging teeth.
The Choice report reassured parents that damage to the mouth from sour lollies was likely to be temporary – but dental issues could be more of a problem. “Symptoms like bleeding, ulcers and layers of skin peeling away are very unpleasant. Kids might find this kind of damage painful for a number of days, particularly when drinking or eating. But the symptoms tend not to be permanent and the soft tissues of the mouth will usually repair without much problem. The more insidious issue with sour lollies is their increased potential for irreversibly damaging teeth,” the report stated.
Australian Dental Association Victoria President Dr Andrew Gikas tells SBS that sour lollies are likely to permanently erode tooth enamel.
“They are low enough in their pH to cause substantial damage if they’re held in the mouth for a reasonable amount of time.”
He confirmed that the lollies listed in the Choice report are more harmful than the average sugary lolly.
“You’re getting the acid produced when we eat sugary lollies which causes tooth decay, and you’re getting the acid intrinsically in these sour lollies which is dissolving the enamel at the same time.”
Choice are calling for clear warning labels and further checks to ensure the safety of these products.
“I don't think anyone is expecting these lollies to be healthy, but at the same token you don't expect them to damage your child,” Godfrey says.
