Mars Is Recalling 4 Products For Salmonella Risk

In these uncertain times, at least we can turn to chocolate to soothe our troubled souls, right? WRONG.

On June 9, candy giant Mars announced it is recalling some its most popular chocolate products for sale in the U.K. and Ireland for a potential Salmonella contamination. The recall affects Galaxy bars, Malteser Teasers, Galaxy Counters, and bags of Minstrels. While there have been no complaints yet, the company has decided to start a voluntary recall after tests found traces of Salmonella in the ingredients used to make chocolate.

The affected products were made at Mars’ Slough factory, and affects a number of products being sold in the U.K. and Ireland. According to the spokesperson for Mars Chocolate: “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. [...] No other brands or varieties of chocolate, pack formats, bar sizes, or best before dates are affected.”

Ingesting Salmonella bacteria can lead to Salmonellosis, a type of food poisoning whose symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. These develop 12 to 72 hours after consuming salmonella-infected food, and usually last between four and seven long, long days. As a result, many people with Salmonellosis suffer from severe dehydration, which can be especially dangerous for infants, the elderly, or those with impaired immune systems.

Mars has asked that people who have purchased the affected candies contact their Customer Care team to “arrange return and reimbursement.”

U.K. Consumers can contact Mars Customer Care at 0800-952-0084, or email them at http://www.mars.co.uk/contact. Ireland customers can contact Mars Customer Care at 1890-812-315, or email them at http://www.mars.ie/contact.

Here is a full list of items included in the recall.