Darrell Lea investigates after complaints mould found in its chocolate

Australian sweets maker Darrell Lea has conducted a “thorough investigation” after complaints a popular range of chocolates were contaminated by mould.

One Sydney local reported the issue directly with the company after her children bit into chunks of Rocklea Road and tasted something was off.

Inspecting it closely, they said that mixed among the toasted coconut, peanuts and marshmallows was a health hazard.

“My children spat the chocolate out, complaining the chocolate tasted like ‘smelly cheese’,” the consumer who asked to remain anonymous told 7NEWS.com.au.

“When I took a look at the Rocklea Road, I noticed there was mould.

“It was a just-opened pack.”

Their packet had a best before date of September 2, 2026.

They said they called Darrell Lea’s customer line and claimed they were told the company had been “inundated” with similar consumer complaints.

“I’m surprised they have not recalled the product,” they said.

The confectionary giant said it was aware of a “small number” of reports related to certain 290g packs of Rocklea Road, and have conducted a “thorough investigation”.

“Based on our findings, this appears to be an isolated issue affecting a very small number of products, and no similar concerns have been identified across subsequent production runs,” a spokesperson for the 99-year-old confectionary maker said.

“Darrell Lea maintains rigorous quality and food safety standards across all of our manufacturing sites, and we remain committed to delivering products of the highest quality.

“As a gesture of goodwill, consumers who have purchased an affected product and contacted our customer service team will receive a voucher.”

On previous unrelated product recalls, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has highlighted that products affected by mould contamination should not be eaten because they “may cause illness”.

FSANZ will not investigate this collection of complaints because it only sets the standards that are used to ensure food is safe for consumers.

Actually enforcing them is something handled by authorities in each state and territory, the authority said.

A NSW Food Authority spokesperson said they had received no reports relating to mould in Darrell Lea chocolate.

“Anyone with food safety concerns is encouraged to contact their medical provider, as well as report those concerns to their local food authority,” the spokesperson said.