In a significant development, Mars Inc. has recalled various chocolate bars from 55 countries following the discovery of plastic in one of the company's products. The move comes in the wake of a customer in Germany discovering plastic bits in a Snickers bar in January. During investigations, it was revealed that the bar containing plastic was produced at Mars factory in Veghel in the Netherlands.
The recall included Mars, Milky Way, Snickers and Miniatures products, in addition to particular types of Celebrations confectionery boxes, carrying best-before dates varying from June 19, 2016 to Jan. 8, 2017. However, a spokesperson for the company said that the dates are unlikely to be same in all countries, BBC reported. These products were marketed in a number of European countries including Britain, Germany and France as well as some Asian countries.
According to the spokesperson, all the products that have been recalled were made at the Mars factory in Veghel. The recall is in effect on Monday, Feb. 29. The spokesperson further stated that they were not sure that only the particular Snickers bar purchased by the German customer contained plastic and, hence, the company decided to recall all products made at the Veghel factory. However, the company did not specify the exact number of affected bars or what will the recall cost to it.
Nevertheless, the recall is certain to affect the company's factory in Veghel, which employs roughly 1,200 people. A statement issued by Mars Netherlands asserted that the company was closely working with the Dutch food safety authority on the issue, Food Processing reported.
Mars is among the largest food companies in the world and markets as many as 29 chocolate brands, which include Galaxy, M&M's, Maltesers, Twix, and Bounty. In addition to chocolate, Mars also makes Uncle Ben's Rice, Wrigley gum, Dolmio pasta sauce as well as Pedigree pet food. Last year, the company's global sales were worth $33bn.
