Mars recalls chocolate over salmonella fears

The chocolate giant recalled seven product categories, and claimed the recall was precautionary. The recall affected certain Galaxy Milk bars, Galaxy Counters, Galaxy Minstrels and its Maltesers Teasers.

The recall comes after Mars last year recalled Mars and Snickers bars in up to 55 countries, which was estimated to cost the business millions.

‘Potential presence of salmonella’​

A Mars Chocolate spokesman said: “Through our routine testing, we have detected the potential presence of salmonella from the ingredients used to make our chocolate.​

“As a precaution, we are voluntarily recalling certain Galaxy Smooth Milk Chocolate bars, Galaxy Minstrels and Galaxy Counters and Teasers bars.​

“We are working closely with the relevant food safety authorities and our customers to ensure that the affected products are no longer available for purchase. If you have one of the products listed above, you should not eat it. Please keep the product and contact our Consumer Care team to arrange return and reimbursement.”​

The manufacturer said the recall was launched with “the best interests of our consumers at heart”​. It apologised for any inconvenience caused.

‘Astronomic’​

In February 2016, Mars recalled a number of its products, including Milky Way bars and Celebrations boxes, after a piece of plastic was found in one of their products. Legal firm Roythornes said the recall would be “astronomic”​.​

Speaking in February, Roythornes Peter Bennett said: “Simply getting the products off sale and the logistics and communications involved in that, along with writing them off and losing out on potential sales is one thing.​

“However, the potential legal and public relations costs along with the possible reputational damage and the effect that could have on investor relations and the value of the company is another thing altogether.”​

Meanwhile, this year’s Food Manufacture’s food safety conference will inform delegates on how to reduce allergen recalls.