Canada not impacted by widespread recall of Mars chocolate bars

BERLIN –A Mars Canada spokesperson confirmed chocolate bars sold in Canada are not included in a widespread recall that affected 55 countries worldwide.

The U.S. chocolate maker Mars announced Tuesday the recall of candy bars and other items in 55 countries after plastic was found in one of its products.

Roel Govers, spokesperson for Mars in the Netherlands, told The Associated Press that the recall affects 55 countries but would not provide further details, saying the company would email a news release later.

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The recall, Mars confirmed to Global News Wednesday, does not affect Canada.

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“This voluntary recall does not impact any Mars products manufactured or sold through traditional retail channels in Canada,” Leslie Brams-Baker said in an email to Global News.

Mars in Germany confirmed that it was one of the countries affected, and said in a statement that the recall affected products with “best before” dates from June 19, 2016 to January 8, 2017…..

“We have intentionally chosen a long production time frame in order to ensure that all possibly affected products are recalled,” the company said in a German-language statement, adding that it was in “close contact” with food safety authorities.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We have intentionally chosen a long production time frame in order to ensure that all possibly affected products are recalled," the company said in a German-language statement, adding that it was in "close contact" with food safety authorities.

It also did not specify which other countries were affected, and Mars in Germany did not respond to calls or emails. The German news agency dpa cited a Mars Germany spokesman saying the voluntary recall affects products made early this year in the Netherlands.

The Dutch food safety authority posted what it said was a Mars press release on its website, saying a piece of plastic had been found in a product that could lead to choking. It listed affected products as: Mars, Milky Way, Snickers, Celebrations, and Mini Mix.

Mars, Inc. is privately held and based in McLean, Virginia. It also owns the world’s largest chewing gum maker, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.

The Mars family owns the secretive company, making it one of the wealthiest families in the U.S., according to business research company Hoover’s.

-with a file from Global News in Toronto