Kerry parents are being warned to be extremely vigilant as jelly sweets containing cannabis are becoming more readily available.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is today (Wednesday) urging the public, especially parents and guardians about the dangers of cannabis edibles containing the psychoactive cannabis component known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

There is growing availability in Ireland of food products, in particular jelly sweets that contain significant amounts of the illicit narcotic drug THC.

The FSAI has issued the warning in advance of the Hallowe'en festivities next week. This year to date, it has been reported that six children under the age of 10 have been hospitalised having accidentally consumed THC-containing products which looked like normal jelly sweets.

“We know adults and/or teenagers are ordering these illegal products from online or other illegal sources for their own personal use," Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, said.

"However, they often have no understanding of the real health dangers of these products and are careless or reckless in putting young children’s health at risk by allowing them access to these products. The prevalence of these edible products containing THC in communities and schools around the country is a growing cause for concern and parents and guardians should be extra vigilant during festivities such as Hallowe'en where parties will be underway, and the risk of accidental consumption of these products is considerably higher.”

She added that the FSAI are working closely with other Government agencies including the Health Service Executive’s Environmental Health Service and the Public Analyst’s Laboratory, Dublin; An Garda Síochana; Revenue’s Customs Service; Forensic Science Ireland; the State Laboratory and; the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland to detect and stop the import of these illegal food products into Ireland.

"We welcome any information from the public in the national effort to curb the availability of these illegal products and to protect our children and young people. We can be contacted through our online complaint form at www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter.”