The Sokol confectionery plant, known for Giselle and Sokol marshmallows, is moving to sue after online posts claimed people were poisoned by its sweets. The claims circulated online and have been noted by industry watchers, though no official confirmation has been issued.
The firm stated, “We plan to file a defamation suit to declare the published information false and will request a formal rebuttal.”
Earlier online posts claimed dozens of people fell ill after consuming Giselle marshmallows.
According to those reports, all affected individuals had eaten Giselle marshmallows and reported bloating, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, with maltitol syrup listed among ingredients.
Several accounts repeated these details online.
Online chatter claimed a health regulator performed an on-site inspection at the Dmitrov facility near Moscow, and that major retailers halted maltitol-containing marshmallows in response.
Meanwhile, a retailer press service stated there were no inquiries about Giselle marshmallows via hotlines, websites, or other feedback channels.
Earlier reports described numerous complaints linked to Classic marshmallows, with many users reporting adverse effects.
Reports mentioned symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea following consumption of the dessert, according to a summary of customer concerns.
Vkusville, the retailer noted as the point of purchase, said the marshmallow in question was pulled from shelves while preliminary investigations were carried out.
In a message, the company expressed concern about mixed reports affecting customers and announced a temporary halt on maltitol-containing marshmallows until ongoing tests clarify safety and allow the product back on shelves and online orders reenabled.
Sokol awaits the results of the Rospotrebnadzor audit
The factory’s commercial director did not confirm any mass poisoning connected to Sokol products.
It was added that there had been no medical visits attributed to the marshmallows and that the reported complaints appeared isolated. The firm plans to pursue legal action only after the regulator finishes its review.
According to the commercial director, a single customer concern sparked broader online chatter and a cascade of reports.
The director suggested a single report grew into dozens as online communities circulated the claim, noting about 31 complaints over roughly a year, largely tied to how the product was used.
He attributed the pattern to intolerance of the product by certain buyers rather than a manufacturing defect.
He argued that marshmallows are low in calories and that some customers overindulge, misreading portions.
He expressed hope that the regulatory review would wrap up quickly and the product could return to store shelves.
A marshmallow won’t make you feel bad
Nutritionist Elena Solomatina notes that maltitol can trigger diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea if taken in large amounts.
She explains maltitol is a polyol, not absorbed well by the body, which can raise osmotic pressure in the gut and lead to bloating and diarrhea as the body tries to eliminate it.
Individual intolerance to maltitol can cause these symptoms in some people.
She adds that this is not poisoning but a personal sensitivity, with symptoms depending on how much is eaten.
Experts advise people with fructose intolerance to limit maltitol intake to about 10 grams daily, per a university professor.
Overconsumption may also trigger allergic responses and disrupt gut bacteria, according to another expert.