'At least' 10 people ill after eating 'Cali-Gold' chocolate bought from Mansfield Christmas market

An arrest has been made and an investigation launched after customers fell ill after eating chocolate bars sold at a Nottinghamshire Christmas market.

At least 10 people who bought and consumed 'Cali Gold' chocolate bars from Mansfield Christmas Market have developed symptoms, police have confirmed.

Those who purchased the chocolate bars from the Christmas fair are being urged not to eat them, reports our sister title National World.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is now working with local police to identify whether the chocolate bars have been widely distributed, with the agency saying that one person has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, said: "We are working with local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency and Nottinghamshire Police to investigate an incident following reports of illness after eating Cali-Gold chocolate. 

"If you have purchased ‘Cali-Gold’ chocolate from Mansfield Market in Nottinghamshire you should not consume the product and dispose of it at home. If you have already eaten it and developed symptoms, then you should urgently seek medical attention." Although it is currently unknown what is making several customers ill, Nottinghamshire Police has said that reports that the chocolate bars were laced with drugs are as of yet unsubstantiated.

Chocolate 'laced with drugs'

Detective Inspector Luke Todd said: “We are aware of reports circulating online of people unknowingly purchasing chocolate laced with drugs from the Mansfield area over the weekend.

“At this stage, there is no evidence to support these rumours. An investigation is currently ongoing to establish the circumstances behind people feeling unwell after consuming this chocolate." He continued: “This incident has been referred to the Food Standards Agency, who will provide a further update in due course. Please rest assured that we take all incidents of public safety extremely seriously and will always investigate any reports we receive of this nature.

"Anyone who has any information relating to this incident is asked to call the police on 101, quoting incident 180 of 26 November 2023, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”