Co-op recalls chocolate Santas over safety fears

THE Co-op is recalling chocolate Santas after batteries were found inside two of them.

The retailer said there were two “alleged tampering incidents” involving the hollow milk chocolate foil figures. It has informed the police and Food Standards Agency and started a national product recall.

There was no indication of any blackmail demand or threat, a spokesman said. The Co-op has sold 165,000 of the German-manufactured Santas, which are available from other retailers, and has advised consumers not to eat them.

The Santas with batteries were found in separate locations, some distance apart.

A Co-op spokesman said: “The health and safety of our customers is our top priority.”