Malfunction at Lindt Plant Covers Area with Cocoa Powder

A malfunction in a ventilation system at the Lindt & Spruengli cocoa processing plant in Olten, Switzerland dusted an area near the facility with a layer of fine cocoa powder, the company confirmed in international media reports this week.

The company said Tuesday that the error in the system caused “cocoa nibs” to fall like snow around the plant, according to coverage by the Associated Press (AP). Lindt & Spruengli told the news wire service that production at the facility was not impacted and that the powder does not present environmental hazards or a risk to the public.

Lindt told CBS News in a statement that it is working to “remedy this defect.” After the cocoa powder was released into the air, the particles were spread in the area by wind, the company said.

Powder & Bulk Solids reported in February 2018 that Lindt was investing about $32.2 million to expand the Lindt Cocoa Center in Olten, a production site for cocoa mass for the firm’s European chocolate plants.