Product Recall ETM627 Erin Brett- M&M’s Milk Chocolate Theater Box 11/30/14 1 What: M&M’s Milk Chocolate Theater Box Recall Date: September 19, 2014 [1] Why: “Undeclared peanut/outer carton packaging is for milk chocolate; however may contain peanut butter M&Ms.” [2] Incidents: Mars Chocolate North America has not received any reports of adverse reactions to date. [1] Number of Units Sold: Doesn’t specify number, but does identify states distributed to: NC, TX, MN, IL, FL, KY, MS, AZ, GA, AI, CA NJ, PA, WA NY, CO, MO, MI, NH, CT, TN, MD, SC, OH, ME, VA, RI, WI, WV, IA, LA, OK, MA, NE, OK, AR, VT, ID and IN [1] When Distributed: May 8 – July 1, 2014 [1]

Management Issues ETM627 Erin Brett- M&M’s Milk Chocolate Theater Box 11/30/14 2 Recognition of Problem: The issue was identified by a consumer who notified the company that “a M&M’S® Brand Peanut Butter package containing peanut butter M&M’S® inside a M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Theater Box.” There have been no incidents of adverse reactions reported. [1] Speed of Response: The response was rather speedy. Recall was addressed in a timely manner. The recall was issued in September, only a couple of months after distribution had ended for the product. Responsibility: No article was found that showed Mars Chocolate North America expressed any remorse for the mispackaging of the product. They did, however, say they would “work with retail customers to ensure that the recalled product is not being sold.” [4]

Impact of Recall ETM627 Erin Brett- M&M’s Milk Chocolate Theater Box 11/30/14 3 Legal Consequences: No lawsuits could be found against Mars Chocolate North America due to the defect in packaging. Reputation: The incident seems have little or no effect on the reputation of Mars Chocolate North America. The company took full responsibility by making a voluntary recall on the product, which showed the company cared for their customers well-being. Sales: Mars Chocolate North America said that, “Consumers who believe they have purchased the recalled item and have allergy concerns, should return this product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.” They also gave contact information for consumers with questions or concerns. [4]

ETM627 Erin Brett-M&M’s Milk Chocolate Theater Box 11/30/14 4 Public Health Associated Risk: “People allergic to peanuts run the risk of serious or life- threatening allergic reaction if their theater box contains an inner M&Ms Brand Peanut Butter bag and they consume the product, the company said in a release.” Figures 1 & 2 show the recalled product. [4] Allergies: “Peanut and tree nut allergies, which also tend to develop in childhood, usually are lifelong. In the U.S., approximately three million people report allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Studies show the number of children living with peanut allergy appears to have tripled between 1997 and 2008”.[5] Figure 1. Outer Package [3] Figure 2. Inner Package containing peanut butter [3]

References ETM627 Erin Brett- M&M’s Milk Chocolate Theater Box 11/30/14 5 [1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014). Mars Chocolate North America Issues Allergy Alert Voluntary Recall On Undeclared Peanut Butter In M&M’s® Brand Milk Chocolate Theater Box. Retrieved from [2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014) Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts. Retrieved from [3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014). Mars Chocolate North America Issues Allergy Alert Voluntary Recall On Undeclared Peanut Butter In M&M’s® Brand Milk Chocolate Theater Box Photos. Retrieved from [4] NBC Bay Area. (2014, September 20). Mars Chocolate Issues Recall Over Undeclared Peanut Butter. Retrieved from Chocolate-MMS-Recall-Undeclared-Peanut-Butter html. [5] FARE Food Allergy Research and Education. Facts and Statistics. Retrieved from: