MARS has issued a recall for some of its chocolate products due to the "potential presence of salmonella".

It includes Galaxy items – Smooth Milk Chocolate bars, Minstrels and Counters and Teasers bars – with certain batch codes and best before dates.

The recall is from Mars Chocolate UK and Mars Ireland and customers are advised not to eat the confectionary specified.

It comes after the possible presence of salmonella in ingredients used to make some of the items was found.

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A Mars Chocolate spokesperson said: "Through our routine testing, we have detected the potential presence of salmonella from the ingredients used to make our chocolate. 

"As a precaution, we are voluntarily recalling certain Galaxy Smooth Milk Chocolate bars, Galaxy Minstrels and Galaxy Counters and Teasers bars. 

"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."

The company said the products listed should not be eaten; customers should keep them and contact the consumer care team to arrange return and reimbursement.

The spokesperson added: "This precautionary recall has been initiated with the best interests of our consumers at heart and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"No other brands or varieties of chocolate, pack formats, bar sizes or best before dates are affected.”

Mars said a small number of these products have been distributed, though no complaints have been received.

UK consumers can get in touch on 0800 952 0084, via mars.co.uk/contact and find details online.