IKEA Malaysia recalls additional six types of chocolates

IKEA Malaysia today expands its ongoing exercise to recall six more types of chocolates, after it was found that the hazelnut and almond contents were not clearly stated in the labels.

The products are Choklad Ljus UTZ 100g, Choklad Not utz 100g, Choklad Lingon & Blabar 180g, Godis Chokladran 168g, Godis Chokladkrokant 450g and Chokladkrokant Bredbar 400g.

Last June, two IKEA chocolate bars - Choklad Mork 60 percent and Choklad Mork 70 percent - were recalled after their milk and hazelnut content were found not to be clearly stated.

The company said in a statement, the products were recalled over fears that consumers would be allergic to the hazelnut and almond contents in them.

These contents have been frequently and not only occasionally detected, it said, adding that it underlines that these products are not suitable for consumption by persons allergic or sensitive to those allergens.

"The product information is not stating this frequent presence clearly enough as the product labels only state 'may contain…'.

"The product information on the product label could possibly be misleading and is therefore not interpreted as compliant with legislation in several markets," it said.

Based on the high IKEA safety and quality standards, it has decided to recall the affected products globally, irrespective of various legislations in the markets.

At the same time, IKEA Malaysia urged customers who were allergic to hazelnut and almonds to return these products to the Swedish Food Market at IKEA stores for a full refund.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused," it said.

For further information, consumers can contact the IKEA customer call centre at telephone number 03-7952 7575.