Confectionery giant Mars has asked the Scottish fish and chip shop that claims to have invented the deep-fried Mars bar to put up a disclaimer saying the US company doesn't support the culinary invention which has become something of a national obsession.

The Carron Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, claims to be the first to create the recipe twenty years ago.

Mars has now written to the owners it cannot authorise or endorse the product because it does not fit the company's desire to promote healthy living. It is seeking a disclaimer on the menu making this stance clear.

"We are really flattered that customers of Carron Fish Bar like our product so much that it has now become a flagship product for the store," a Mars spokesperson said.

The fish bar had mooted plans for an application to the EU protected geographical status. In countries where the status laws are enforced, only products that meet various geographical and quality criteria may use the name.

"No application for a protected geographical indication has been filed to date," said Mars. "Should an application be filed, unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to support it as deep-frying one of our products would go against our commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles."

The main ingredients in Mars's eponymous chocolate bar are sugar and glucose syrup.

MM

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