...and fears over ‘fake’ bars at the chocolate factory

SHOPPERS have been warned not to buy or eat fake and potentially unsafe ‘Wonka’ chocolate bars.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) watchdog has received reports of chocolate on sale using the ‘Wonka’ name which is ‘not the real thing’.

Any Wonka-branded chocolate which does not feature the official ‘Ferrero’ or ‘Ferrara Candy Company’ trademarks on the label is likely to be a counterfeit.

The FSA warns ingredients and allergen labels may not be correct on the fake versions, putting consumers with food intolerances at risk.

Prime, a popular drinks brand, has also discovered counterfeit chocolate being released with its name on. The firm has told the FSA it does not manufacture any food products, meaning the chocolate bars are fake and could also be unsafe.

The agency said the illegitimate bars may be made by unregistered businesses or criminals who would not be following hygiene, labelling and traceability laws. The warning follows quantities of hallucinogenic drugs found in ‘a small number’ of chocolate bars sold at Mansfield Market in last month.

Nottinghamshire Police received reports of people falling ill after eating chocolate containing Psilocin – from magic mushrooms – and THC, found in cannabis. Tina Potter, from the FSA, said: ‘With Christmas coming up, don’t waste your money on fake-branded chocolate. There could be a food safety risk.’