An investigation has been launched after a “mystery” chocolate bar caused bizarre health effects on those who ate it – with some saying their children’s eyes “popped out of their head.”
The bar, named Cali-Gold, was sold at a festive market in Mansfield last Saturday, and a 63-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the chocolate.
At least 10 people are believed to have fallen ill from the suspect sugary snack, with one man saying his nephew was rushed to A&E after he was left feeling “spaced out” by one of the bars.
Anyone who develops symptoms is being urged to go to hospital.
Ian Godber said his children had eaten chocolate from the Christmas market in Mansfield and he was left “fearing for their lives”.
Mr Godber told the Mansfield Chad: “The kids had four or six squares and then half an hour later, they started to go funny.
“My youngest son was affected the worse. All four of my kids had their eyes popping out their heads, felt sick and giddy.
“I phoned the paramedics and they came out and rushed my youngest into A&E because of his symptoms.”
His wife Kim told the BBC that their son Issacc, 10, who has ADHD and autism, developed terrifying symptoms, saying: “It sounded like he was choking, a gargling kind of noise.
“He couldn’t speak to us, his tongue was sticking out of his mouth, he went all floppy, he just wasn’t with it.”
There have been claims online that the chocolate was laced with cannabis. However, there has not yet been evidence that this is the case.
Consultant in communicable disease control at the UK Health Security Agency East Midlands Dr Kakoli Choudhury said: “If you have already eaten this chocolate and developed symptoms, please call NHS 111 or contact your GP.”
Dr Choudhury added: “The small number of people who became unwell have fully recovered.
“Investigations are ongoing about what may have caused the illness.”
Head of incidents at Food Standards Agency Tina Potter 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.”
Detective Inspector Luke Todd, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are aware of reports circulating online of people unknowingly purchasing chocolate laced with drugs from the Mansfield area over the weekend.
“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.
“A 63-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and is assisting the police with our ongoing inquiries.”
Nottinghamshire Police are requesting that anyone who bought any of this chocolate or recognises the packaging in the images contact them immediately on 101, quoting incident 180 of November 26 2023.
According to the Mansfield District Council website the market has been in place for more than 700 years and has a number of stalls that sell farm-fresh, high quality produce, friendly service and value for money.
