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KitKat Launches Public Tracker to Find 12 Tons of Stolen Bars

Nestlé is turning batch-code traceability into a public tip line to counter a rise in cargo theft.

Overview

  • KitKat launched the tool Wednesday, asking customers to enter the 8-digit code on wrappers to check for a match to the stolen lot.
  • Nestlé says thieves took 12 metric tonnes—about 413,793 bars—from a truck moving goods from central Italy to Poland, and the vehicle remains missing.
  • If a code matches, users are asked to upload a photo and follow instructions to report the find, with clear guidance not to handle suspected stolen goods.
  • The company says there are no consumer-safety concerns and retail supply is unaffected, and the U.S. market is outside the case because Hershey sells KitKat there.
  • Nestlé warns the chocolate may surface in unofficial European sales channels, and reports say the missing range includes new Formula 1 car-shaped bars that have fueled viral brand jokes.