Woman arrested over ‘Cali Gold’ choc bars that made people ill
A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance as part of ongoing police inquiries about chocolate bars sold in Mansfield Market.
The 63-year-old is said to be assisting Nottinghamshire Police with their investigation.
The chocolate bars were reportedly sold in golden wrappers and ‘Cali-gold’ boxes on Saturday. People started falling ill after buying the chocolate over the weekend.
Detective Inspector Luke Todd, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Tests are in the process of being carried out but at present there is no evidence to support claims that the chocolate bars contained any illicit drugs.
“Anyone who bought any of this chocolate or recognises the packaging in these images is asked to contact police immediately on 101, quoting incident 180 of November 26.”
Dr Kakoli Choudhury, consultant in communicable disease control at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) East Midlands, said: “If you have already eaten this chocolate and developed symptoms, please call NHS 111 or contact your GP. The small number of people who became unwell have fully recovered. Investigations are ongoing about what may have caused the illness.”
A news alert was also posted on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website urging people not to eat the chocolate bar.
The gold packaging in the FSA’S photo is pictured next to outer packaging made of cardboard and with “Cali Gold” branding on it. The packaging says the bar is “70% dark chocolate”, “organic” and “fair trade”. The FSA said it is working with relevant authorities to find out whether there has been wider distribution of the product.