Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2016-02-24
US confectionery maker Mars Inc. has recalled chocolate bars and other products in 55 countries, mainly in Europe, after a piece of plastic was found in a Snickers bar in Germany.
According to a Mars spokeswoman all of the recalled products, which include Mars, Snickers and Milky Way bars, were manufactured at a Dutch factory in Veghel. They were sold in European countries including Germany, France and Britain, and in certain countries in Asia.
The recall, in effect since Monday, follows an 8 January complaint from a consumer in Germany, who found red plastic in a Snickers bar and sent it back to the company.
“We cannot be sure that this plastic was only in that particular Snickers,” a spokesperson from Mars Netherlands said. “We do not want any products on the market that may not meet our quality requirements, so we decided to take them all back.”
It was not immediately clear how much the complex recall would cost the company, which is unlisted and therefore does not disclose detailed financial information.
The spokeswoman declined to comment on financial implications of the recall, which is the first to affect the factory employing about 1,200 people.
A statement posted earlier on the website of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority said Mars was recalling Snickers, Mars, Milky Way, Celebrations and Mini Mix after a piece of plastic was found in one of its products that in certain circumstances could cause choking.
Mars Netherlands said it was working closely with the Dutch food safety authority on the matter.
Mars, based in Mount Olive, New Jersey, is one of the world’s biggest food companies, with 29 chocolate brands including M&M’s, Galaxy, Twix, Bounty and Maltesers.
Aside from chocolate, Mars makes Wrigley gum, Uncle Ben’s Rice, Dolmio pasta sauce and Pedigree pet food. – Reuters
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