Last updated at 22:16 09 June 2007

The Mars bar is set to complete an astonishing U-turn by becoming the first snack

of its kind officially suitable for vegetarians.

Its manufacturer Masterfoods is in talks with the Vegetarian Society to get the charity’s green V featured on wrappers.

The move comes just two weeks after the chocolate-maker admitted it had made a mistake by announcing a new recipe containing animal rennet.

Vegetarian Society spokeswoman Liz O’Neill yesterday confirmed the talks with Mars over the V accreditation. She added: "There are a number of conditions that have to be met before Mars can get this.

"There are lots of rules over animal-testing. For example, any eggs used in the recipe must be free-range."

Any agreement is expected to take at least two weeks. Mars has yet to agree a fee for a one-year licence.

Society inspectors are expected to visit its factory at Slough, Buckinghamshire, to check production before one is granted.

Mars stunned vegetarians when it announced that its chocolate would no longer be free of animal products.

More than 6,000 people complained in one week and it reversed the decision.

Mars confirmed: "We are in dialogue with the Vegetarian Society for accreditation."