September 28, 2008,Beijing, China -
As previously noted, Mars has followed with great concern the latest crisis affecting the dairy industry in China. We offer our sympathies to the individuals and families affected by these unfortunate events.
Independent tests carried out by government authorities over the last week in Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and Malaysia have cleared Mars chocolate and confectionery products. In addition, an independent laboratory in Germany has also tested samples of milk powders supplied to Mars China’s factory and informed Mars that all samples were clear of melamine.
As previously noted, Mars China does not source milk or any other ingredients for any of its products from any company which has been found to be selling melamine contaminated dairy products. Mars’ domestic suppliers of milk powder own and control the pipeline from milk to collection to milk processing, without interference by traders or other middlemen. In the last two weeks, AQSIQ (the Chinese food safety watchdog) tested product samples of Mars China’s milk powder suppliers and informed Mars China that all such samples were free of melamine.
In light of the above, Mars is extremely surprised about the recent announcement that tests conducted by the BPOM, the Indonesian regulatory authority, have shown that M&Ms® and Snickers® products made in China contain melamine.
The results announced by the BPOM conflict with and are completely inconsistent with all analytical results received to date by Mars from governmental agencies and independent laboratories across Asia and Europe. The vastly different results give Mars significant reason to question the validity of the Indonesian laboratory results. Mars is currently in contact with the Indonesian authorities with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the methodology used and the basis upon which BPOM has reached its conclusions.
Based on the above, Mars remains confident that none of its chocolate or confectionery products made in China include any dairy ingredients adulterated with melamine and that all of its products are safe for consumption.
Mars very much appreciates the great lengths the Indonesian government is going through to keep Indonesians safe and we will continue to work with the relevant Indonesian authorities to resolve this issue. Mars remains committed to abiding by all Indonesian laws as we work swiftly to clear up these puzzling inconsistencies.
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.
