Cocoa dust falls on Swiss village after malfunction at chocolate factory

OLTEN, Switzerland — A Swiss town got a surprise dusting of cocoa when a ventilation system malfunctioned at a nearby chocolate factory.

The Swiss chocolatier and confectionery company Lindt & Sprüngli said a defect in its cooling system launched cocoa nibs into the air leaving a fine cocoa dusting around the factory.

The company says one car was lightly coated, and that it has offered to pay for any cleaning needed — but hasn’t yet been taken up on the offer.

Factory production was able to continue as normal and the company says the particles were completely harmless to people or the environment.

The ventilation system has now been repaired.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Cox Media Group