Chocolate maker Mars recalls several products across UK and Ireland

Chocolate maker Mars has recalled a number of Galaxy chocolate bars, packets of Minstrels and Maltesers Teasers across the UK and Ireland after warning that the products might contain salmonella as a precautionary measure.

The recall comes as Mars' second in a matter of months following its withdrawal of products in 55 countries earlier this year.

According to the confectionary firm, the risk of salmonella affected batches of products with best before dates in May 2018 but not other Mars products.

Mars said it discovered the risk on Thursday night after testing at a laboratory in its headquarters at Slough. According to a Mars official, how long the products had been on the shelves in the UK and Ireland could not be said, The Guardian reported.

The affected products included Galaxy Milk 200g bars, Galaxy Milk 42g bars and multipacks, Galaxy Counters 78g treat bags and 112g pouches, and Maltesers Teasers 35g bars.

The recall also affected 118g pouches of Minstrels sold as part of Mars' ''Sweet Nights In'' promotion.

''Through our routine testing, we have detected the potential presence of salmonella from the ingredients used to make our chocolate,'' Mars said. Adding, "We are working closely with the relevant food safety authorities and our customers to ensure that the affected products are no longer available for purchase."

According to Mars, thousands of potentially affected chocolates - fewer than 3,000 - could already have been sold to customers.

Products, including Galaxy Milk 200g bars, Minstrel 118g pouches and Maltesers Teasers 35g bars with best-before dates of 6 May 2018 and 13 May 2018 were affected.

The recall also applied to Galaxy Milk 4x42g multipacks and Galaxy Counters 78g and 112g pouches with the 6 May 2018 and 13 May 2018 best-before dates.

Food retailers across the UK and Ireland have been asked to pull the affected products from shelves immediately.