Mars Recalled Dove Chocolate Over Allergy Concern

Mars Chocolate North America LLC. recalled its Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflake 24 oz bag last Friday over allergy concern because of undeclared peanuts, wheat and egg ingredient.

According to official press release from Food and Drug Administration on December 18, the item may contain other chocolate bar from Snickers, Milky Way and Twix that contain peanuts, wheat and/or eggs, but these ingredients are not listed on the outer package ingredient label. For people who have allergies to peanuts, wheat or eggs, consuming the product will have a serious risk of allergic reaction.

So far, no harmful or allergic reaction is reported.

Dove Chocolate Assortment Snowflake is a seasonal product from Mars Inc., and for this year's Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday, the product was sold in major retailers in 35 states all across America since last September. The mixed part of other chocolate bars was identified by a customer who found a piece of Snicker chocolate bar in the Dove Chocolate. Mars Chocolate North America coordinated with retailers to withdraw the product from the shelves, and customers who have already bought the product is suggested to return the product to the store for a full refund.

ABC News reported that the recall affects 67,000 cases of Dove's Chocolate Assortment Snowflakes. Mars chocolate issued a statement regarding the recall,
"We are fully cooperating with the FDA on this matter. Food safety and product quality are of paramount importance to Mars, and we are committed to the highest standards for all of our products."

Mars Incorporated is a renowned manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and food products based in Virginia. It was established by Frank Mars starting from his kitchen in Tacoma, Washington in the 1920's. The company established five business segments to manage its wide range of product: pet care product, chocolate, food, chewing gum, and beverages.

Mars Chocolate North America LLC. is the subsidiary of Mars Inc. to manfacture twenty-nine of Mars' brands of chocolate products including M&M, Snickers, Mars, Milky Way, Dove, and Twix. The company is based in New Jersey and operating 135 factories in 74 countries. In 2014, the company opened a $270 million chocolate plant in Topeka, Kansas to anticipate the growing demand for its chocolate product in North America.

Food recalled due to concern allergic reaction is common procedure to protect customers' health and safety. According to CNN, in 2014 there were 43 recalls for undeclared allergens. Those are more than half of total 94 recalls for all food products last year.

Dove chocolate assortment snowflakes is the last food product being recalled in 2015.