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Date Published: 18/04/2024

Contaminated Mercadona chocolate pulled from Spanish supermarkets

Foreign bodies were initially detected in this sweet treat in the Valencian Community

Consumer favourite Mercadona’s Hacendado chocolate bars, known for their high pure cocoa content and apparent health benefits, have run into trouble this week as a single batch of the sweet treat has been withdrawn from supermarket shelves due to contamination concerns.

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) released a health alert warning customers about a foreign object detected in a specific lot of 72% dark chocolate bars containing almonds.

Here’s what you need to know:

Product name: 72% dark chocolate with almonds
Brand: HACENDADO
Best before date: May 2025
Lot number: I23325M1
Unit weight: 200g
Storage condition: Room temperature

Consumers who have already purchased the product have been advised not to eat it. Instead, the product should be returned to the point of sale or discarded responsibly.

The concerning batch carries identification number I23325M1, bearing a best-before date of May 2025. Each bar weighs 200g and consists of dark chocolate embedded with almond pieces. The product is sold exclusively at Mercadona stores and can be found with the other room-temperature sweets and chocolates.

Health authorities in the Valencian Community initially flagged the issue, prompting swift action from Aesan, who in turn alerted the European Food Alert Network (RASFF) to ensure that the contaminated chocolate doesn’t travel any further afield.

In other news: BBC announces new no-holds-barred Ibiza documentary

Image: Aesan

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