MARS, the US chocolate maker, has confirmed that a massive product recall affecting 55 countries.

Roel Govers, spokesman for Mars in the Netherlands, told The Associated Press that the recall affects 55 countries but didn't immediately provide further details.

The company had earlier issued a statement to Reuters saying that the recall was to prevent customers who bought the products from consuming them.

The Dutch food safety authority posted what it said was a Mars press release on its website.

The press release recalled all Mars and Snickers products, Milky Way Minis and Miniatures, as well as certain kinds of Celebrations with best before dates between June 19, 2016, and January 8, 2017.

The press release said that Mars Netherlands had informed the authorities and was working closely with them.

Mars didn't detail the volume of products affected or what financial impact the recall would have.

Mars was not immediately available for comment. 

Currently, there is no known recall in Australia.  

- Additional reporting by APN