Consumer Protection Agency forces chocolate importer companies to withdraw brands off-shelves
In the framework of efforts exerted by the Consumer Protection Agency to protect consumers interests, under the implementation of Law No. 67 of 2006 on consumer protection -to enhance the agency’s role in applying the law and establish rules necessary to protect consumer rights and control markets- the agency forced March Egypt Trading announce a campaign to recall some of chocolates imported by the company. This all came after a German citizen found plastic pieces in a chocolate bar produced by Netherlands manufacturer due a manufacture defect.
Atef Yacoub, Head of Consumer Protection Agency, said the agency monitored -last Tuesday- the global company›s announcement of the summons in 55 countries around the world, including Egypt. In a proactive step, the agency communicated with European partners in the twinning project -implemented with the agency earlier- to verify news. The investigation department immediately took measures to intensify control over the markets and prevent the product›s circulation. Intensive campaigns were launched in Cairo and Alexandria to seize the products until investigations are executed. The majority of sold quantities in hyper-markets and fuel station›s mini-shops -240 boxes- were confiscated.
Yacoub cleared out that the agency immediately summoned both the US Mars company’s regional director, the government relations officer, and legal representative of the company in Egypt. It was later revealed that products recalled were Mars 180 g of weight -bag containing 20 small chocolate bars- and Snickers bags 150 g of weight -bag containing 24 small pieces.
He added that the company informed the agency that 98 per cent of products are still within the company’s stores and were seized in preparation for their extermination by legal means. Only 2 per cent of the products were sold in January and the product is being withdrawn from big stores and hyper-markets.
He pointed out that the body has compelled the company to recall products sold as of January 2016, pay a refund without any additional costs or replace them with other products, and inform distributer and dealers of the recall -to ensure the products stay out of the market.
He appealed to consumers who may have purchased any of the chocolate products, subject to recall, to return the product and recover its value.
