Products to return to shelves shortly

October 3, 2008 (Manila) – After rigorous testing of 30 milk brands and milk-based products sold in the Philippines, Filipino Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced at a news conference today that Mars products M&Ms® and Snickers® are safe for consumption and can continue to be sold across the Philippines.

In the wake of the milk crisis in China, the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) put into effect rigorous testing of all imports into the Philippines which contain milk ingredients from China.

“We are not surprised by the BFAD’s results, but happy that we can add the results to the overwhelming body of evidence that proves our products do not have a melamine problem and are indeed of high quality,” said Henry Azcarraga, Market Manager for Mars Philippines, Inc. “Consumers can be assured that they can continue to enjoy the Mars products they have loved for years.”

To date, food safety regulators in Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines have confirmed that all Mars products tested are safe. In addition to government testing, an independent laboratory in Germany has tested numerous samples of milk powder used in Mars chocolate products made in China and has confirmed the absence of any detectable levels of melamine.

Azcarraga added, “The bottom-line is that Mars China does not source milk or other dairy ingredients for any of its products from any factory which has been found to be selling melamine contaminated dairy products. Mars is very confident that all Mars products are safe for consumption.”

Because of the changing nature of this situation, updated information may be available. Please check www.mars.com for the most up-to-date news and information on this issue.