For Immediate Release
November 15, 2006

Sterling commends Hershey Canada for swift response
Hershey stops production, voluntarily recalls product after finding traces of salmonella

Queen's Park, Toronto - Lanark-Carleton MPP Norm Sterling today used a member's statement to praise Hershey Canada for its quick response upon finding traces of salmonella in an ingredient used in making its chocolate.

Mr. Sterling told the Legislature:

I rise today to share a story of good corporate citizenship.

When Hershey Canada discovered traces of salmonella in an externally sourced ingredient used to make its chocolate at its plant in Smiths Falls, management immediately contacted the food agency inspection branch in the Canadian government. Hershey stopped production immediately and issued a voluntary recall of all products affected. I want to remind parents that Halloween products were not included in this recall and were not affected.

The Hershey plant is a huge part of the Smiths Falls economy, employing some 500 individuals and supporting many local businesses, including 300 local dairy farms. Hershey is also a tourist attraction offering free tours of their factory. Last year, this included 300,000 visitors.

I know that for the 500 workers this unscheduled layoff is frustrating. I hope they are proud to work for a company that is so concerned about the safety of its products and those who use them. I know that Hershey is doing everything it can to solve the problem and get those workers back to work.

I want to commend Hershey for acting quickly and for issuing a voluntary recall before any reports of illness. I'm sure all members of the House would join me in expressing our support for Hershey Canada and the community of the town of Smiths Falls.

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For more information, please call Lanark-Carleton MPP Norm Sterling at: (416) 314-7900