(LEAD) S. Korea orders recall of U.S. chocolates on health concerns

SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Friday they have ordered a recall of U.S. chocolate products on fears they may have been contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said the recall will be applied to
"Milk Chocolate Peanuts" produced and sold by Marich Confectionery here.
The move came after the U.S. company voluntarily took its products off shelves in
the U.S this week on health concerns, it added. A total of 1,239 kg of the
product has been imported into the local market.
The recall was ordered after it was found that the Peanut Corporation of America
(PCA), a supplier of peanut paste, may have produced products that can cause
Salmonellosis, the KFDA said.
Salmonellosis, caused by exposure to Salmonella bacteria, can lead to diarrhea,
fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Seoul also ordered a recall of U.S. peanut
butter-based cookies on Jan. 19.
In the U.S., roughly 650 people have been treated for the disease, with eight
deaths being reported in connection with the bacteria.
The health agency, meanwhile, said that Lotte Confectionery Co., Orion Corp. and
two smaller local manufacturers imported peanut products from PCA late last
month.
It said a precautionary recall has been issued, with 46-70 percent of the
products that could have been contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria collected
from store shelves.
"Tests conducted on products that were recalled showed no signs of the harmful
bacteria," a KFDA official said.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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