Mars recalls chocolate bars in 55 countries

Mars has issued a recall of its chocolate bars and other products across 55 countries after a piece of red plastic was found in a Snickers bar.

The international recall impacts the company’s Mars, Snickers and Milky Way bars, as well as selected boxes of Celebrations.

The recalled products were manufactured at a Dutch factory in Veghel, the Netherlands, and were mostly sold in Europe, reported Reuters.

In addition to the European countries, the recall has impacted Vietnam and Sri Lanka, reported AFP.

Mars Netherlands corporate affairs co-ordinator Eline Bijveld was quoted by AFP saying: "As far as we know there are 55 countries involved."

Bijveld added the recall ‘only involves the products that are made in the Netherlands’ and does not affect the US.

The recall was issued following a January complaint made by a consumer in Germany.

On investigating the origin of the plastic piece inside the chocolate bar, the company discovered it came from a protective cover that was used during the manufacturing process at the plant.

Bijveld added: "We are currently investigating exactly what has happened, but we cannot be sure that this red piece of plastic is not in any other of our products from the same production line."

Mars recalled its product voluntarily as a precautionary measure. Products with expiry dates between 19 June 2016 and 8 January 2017 have been recalled.

Located in Mount Olive, New Jersey, Mars is the maker of 29 chocolate brands that include Galaxy, Twix, M&M’s, Bounty and Maltesers.

---

Image: Mars has recalled its chocolate bars across 55 countries. Photo: courtesy of Mister GC / freedigitalphotos.