HERSHEY, Pa., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today issued a statement related to milk purchased from China:

Consumer safety and product quality are Hershey's top priorities. The Hershey Company has never purchased milk ingredients, including powered milk, from China. All Hershey products use the highest-quality ingredients and are safe to consume. This includes Cadbury products manufactured and distributed in the United States by The Hershey Company.

Consumers with any questions regarding this issue should call our Consumer Relations line at 1-800-468-1714.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and sugar confectionery products. With revenues of nearly $5 billion and almost 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers. Hershey is the leader in the fast-growing dark and premium chocolate segment, with such brands as Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Hershey's Extra Dark and Cacao Reserve by Hershey's. Hershey's Ice Breakers franchise delivers refreshment across a variety of mint and gum flavors and formats. Hershey's partnership with Starbucks offers a premium chocolate experience that combines the highest-quality chocolate with Starbucks coffee-house flavors, for a range of delicious and distinct chocolate products. In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets such premium chocolate offerings as Scharffen Berger, known for its high-cacao dark chocolate products, Joseph Schmidt, recognized for its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts, and Dagoba, known for its high-quality natural and organic chocolate bars. Visit us at www.hersheynewsroom.com.

SOURCE The Hershey Company