99 Problems ..But The Sun Ain't One

Defective flakes spoiling our favourite ice cream treats

- SEAN MURPHY

ICE cream lovers are licking up the mini heatwave despite grumblings about their crumbling 99s.

Met Eireann said temperatures will stay around 24C until next week sparking a roaring trade for the frozen treats.

But Yasmin Khan, of Teddy's Ice Creams, said chocolate flakes are so crumbly they fall apart in the hand.

Yasmin told the Irish Mirror: "There was a flake shortage in 2021 because not enough were made amid the pandemic. Then production was moved to Cairo but customers complained about the product.

"They were breaking in our hands even before we got them into the soft ice creams.

"I have a lot of faith in Cadbury but it's amazing that customers' complaints have taken until now for the company to respond to what retailers have been saying since last summer.

Cadbury apologised and said: "Our Flake 99 is naturally delicate and crumbly and we have processes in place within our supply chain to avoid breakage as much as possible.

"We are aware that, recently, some customers have received product which does not meet our usual high standards.

"This has been addressed following improvements to our production processes, although some prior stock may remain in circulation. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.

The glorious early summer weather is set to continue with temperatures pushing 25C for the Bank Holiday weekend. Met Eireann said the Solar UV Index is high and revealed yesterday that drought status was reached at Dublin Airport, Phoenix Park, Oak Park in Carlow and Johnstown Castle in Wexford.