Chocolate maker Mars announced plans yesterday to abandon the use of animal products in its candy bars following a particularly vocal consumer protest.

Earlier this month, the British-based company began using rennet in many of its chocolate products including Snickers, Milky Way and Twix. The move infuriated vegetarians and generated a flood of complaints.

Though the London Beth Din had issued a ruling that the products would remain kosher, the announcement is welcome news for many local chocolate lovers. According to reports, the Israeli rabbinate remained wary of the new animal-derived ingredient and was considering revoking its seal of approval if British firm Masterfoods, which produces the chocolates, continued its plans.

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"We made a mistake. We apologise," the company said in a statement on its Web site. "The consumer is our boss. Therefore we listen to you and your feedback. Therefore we commit to you today, that we at Mars UK will ensure that a selection of your favorite brands Mars bars, Snickers bars, Galaxy and Maltesers, will be suitable for vegetarians in the near future. To this effect we are starting to change our manufacturing process today."