Recent research suggests a concerning overall presence of toxic heavy metals cadmium and lead among dark chocolate bars.

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.

Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., a Lakewood, Colorado-based natural grocery chain, is recalling Natural Grocers brand 8 ounce Peanut Clusters Dark Chocolate Non-GMO because the product contains undeclared almond and milk allergens.

Moonstruck Chocolate Co. of Portland, Oregon is recalling 1,500 / 3.1 oz. Praline Pecan & Ginger Element Bar in Dark Chocolate, because it may contain undeclared milk.

Gourmet International and Butlers Chocolates UC are recalling approximately 1900 units of the IRISH WHISKEY DARK CHOCOLATE 3.5OZ TABLET BAR because it may contain undeclared milk.

Cargill is voluntarily recalling 39 one-pound bags of product incorrectly packaged as Wilbur Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews.