x
Breaking News
More () »

It seemed to be snowing cocoa after chocolate factory error dusts Swiss town

The Lindt & Spruengli company confirmed Tuesday there was a defect in the cooling ventilation for a line for roasted "cocoa nibs" in one of their factories.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Residents of a Swiss town got a bit of a shock when it started snowing particles of a fine cocoa powder after the ventilation system at a chocolate factory malfunctioned.

The Lindt & Spruengli company confirmed local reports Tuesday that there was a minor defect in the cooling ventilation for a line for roasted "cocoa nibs" in its factory in Olten, between Zurich and Basel.

The nibs, fragments of crushed cocoa beans, are the basis of chocolate. 

RELATED: Halloween candy showing up on store shelves early this year

Combined with strong winds on Friday morning, the powder spread around the immediate vicinity of the factory, leaving a fine cocoa dusting. 

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. 

RELATED: Las Vegas teacher makes life-size cutouts of 5th grade students, to better connect online learners to the classroom

Before You Leave, Check This Out