A recent sampling assignment conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pennsylvania and Michigan found milk in 6.2 percent of dark chocolate and chocolate-containing products labeled as “dairy-free,” although all positive samples were also labeled with an allergen advisory statement.
A recent, 8-year-long analysis of U.S. dark chocolate and cocoa products revealed a significant portion of samples to contain cadmium and lead levels exceeding California Proposition 65 maximum allowable limits, although concentrations of toxic heavy metals were seen to reduce over time.
Researchers from Tulane University assessed the levels and risks of
toxic metals in chocolates sold in the U.S., made from beans originating
from different global regions.
Building upon a December 2022 report on the levels of toxic heavy metals in dark chocolate, Consumer Reports recently published new findings about the contaminants in other kinds of chocolates, suggesting that one-third of chocolate products contain high levels of heavy metals.
The National Confectioners Association and As You Sow have compiled recommendations based on findings from a three-year study that explored ways to reduce the presence of cadmium and lead in cocoa and chocolate.
International standards for food contaminants must be based on sound science and food safety risks so as to not adversely impact access to global markets.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today released results from sampling of domestically manufactured dark chocolate bars and dark chocolate chips labeled as “dairy free” or with similar claims.
MELLACE FAMILY BRANDS CALIFORNIA INC. (JOHNVINCE FOODS),located at 655 North River Road, Unit C, Warren Ohio 44483-2254, is recalling Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate nonpareils, 18.5oz (1lb 2.5oz) 524g because it has undeclared MILK allergen on the retail label.
Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. of Stratham, New Hampshire, is issuing a voluntary recall of one lot of its Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa chocolate bars due to the bars being wrapped in the wrong packaging.
