As previously noted, Mars has been following 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.
Mars China is committed to the highest standards of quality and safety and all of its chocolate and confectionery products are manufactured and tested through a series of strict internal processes, based on recognized international standards. In fact, our stringent quality control systems in place in our factories in China are essentially the same as those employed by Mars in any other part of the world.
Mars China does NOT source any milk powder or other ingredients for any of its products from any factory which has been found to be selling melamine-contaminated dairy products.
To date, food safety regulators in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines as well as independent laboratories in Taiwan and Australia have tested a large number of finished products and have confirmed that Mars chocolate products, including M&M’s® and Snickers®, are safe for consumption. In addition, an independent laboratory in Germany has tested numerous samples of the milk powder used in Mars chocolate products made in China and confirmed the absence of any detectable levels of melamine.
As previously noted, 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 such samples were free of melamine.
Based on the above, we remain confident that NONE of our chocolate or confectionery products made in China include any dairy ingredients adulterated with melamine and that our 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.
