Confectionery firm takes precautionary step of recalling certain chocolate treats due to potential presence of bacteria.

Mars has recalled some Galaxy chocolate bars, packets of Minstrels and Maltesers Teasers across the UK and Ireland after warning that the products might contain salmonella.

The recall, described as a “precaution”, comes after Mars withdrew products in 55 countries last year.

The risk of salmonella affects batches of products with best before dates in May 2018 but not other Mars products, according to the confectionery firm.

Mars said it discovered the risk on Thursday night after testing at a laboratory in its headquarters at Slough. A Mars official could not say how long the products had been on the shelves in the UK and Ireland.

The affected products are Galaxy Milk 200g bars, Galaxy Milk 42g bars and multipacks, Galaxy Counters 78g treat bags and112g pouches, and Maltesers Teasers 35g bars.

The recall also affects 118g pouches of Minstrels sold as part of Mars’ “Sweet Nights In” promotion.

Mars 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 Teaser 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.

“This precautionary recall has been initiated with the best interests of our consumers at heart and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“No other brands or varieties of chocolate, pack formats, bar sizes or best before dates are affected.

Mars said concerned customers in the UK could call 0800 952 0084 or contact the company via its website, while customers in Ireland can ring 1890 812 315 or email a separate address.

The Food Standards Agency said: “If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them.”

“Symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps,” the FSA warned.

“The FSA is working with the food business and its local authority to identify the source of the problem,” it added.

Mars was forced to issue a much larger recall in February 2016 after a customer in Germany found pieces of plastic in a Snickers bar. As part of the recall, the company warned chocolate lovers in 55 countries of the risk to products including funsize Milky Way and Mars bars, as well as boxes of Celebrations.

In 2007, Mars recalled packs of Maltesers and Revels after a problem on its Slough production line led to pieces of rubber being found in the chocolate.

One of the most serious incidents to affect the company involved the Animal Liberation Front claim in 1984 that it had injected Mars bars throughout the country with rat poison. The animal rights group later admitted the claim was a hoax aimed at hurting Mars’ sales, over claims that it backed using animals for tooth decay research.

• This article was amended on 11 June 2017. An earlier version said that Mars withdrew products in 55 countries earlier this year. That happened in February 2016.

Source: theguardian.com