Ezaki Glico Recalls 6 Million Chocolate Products, Including Pocky, Due to Flavor Change

Ezaki Glico announced on the 8th that it would voluntarily recall a total of 20 chocolate confectionery items, amounting to approximately 6 million units. This includes flagship products such as "Pocky Chocolate" and "Mental Balance Chocolate GABA." The decision was made after consumer feedback revealed that these products had an "unnatural flavor."

According to the company, the change in flavor is believed to have been caused by cacao beans being stored for about eight months in an external logistics warehouse, in the same space as spices, which should have been stored separately. It is thought that the aroma of the spices transferred to the cacao beans, affecting the chocolate products. The voluntary recall applies to some products with an expiration date of May 2026 or later. No health issues have been reported so far, and the company states there are no safety concerns.

Following this announcement, many consumers expressed surprise on social media. Some users posted specific comments such as, "I felt Pocky tasted different than usual," and "It smelled like curry," indicating that quite a few people had actually noticed the change in flavor. There were also unique reactions like, "I'd like to try a comparison taste test."

Ezaki Glico will accept returns of the affected products and issue refunds. The company takes this situation seriously and plans to further strengthen its quality control system to prevent recurrence.

The context

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese food company known for a wide range of confectionery and food products. Pocky, thin biscuit sticks coated in chocolate (or other flavored coatings), is one of Glico's most iconic and globally recognized products, serving as a staple snack in Japan and enjoying popularity worldwide. Mental Balance Chocolate GABA is another notable product, marketed for its functional benefits related to stress reduction due to its gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content. A product recall involving such popular and widespread items, especially due to a flavor contamination issue rather than a direct health hazard, is significant in Japan, underscoring the company's commitment to quality perception and consumer trust.