Choc recalled after allergy threat found
A consumer’s allergic reaction to chocolate has sparked a Ministry for Primary Industries recall of gourmet chocolate from 10 businesses.
The high-end chocolates that have been recalled had undeclared high levels of milk protein due to an imported ‘‘dark chocolate product’’ from Singapore. Some of the gourmet chocolates were being sold as ‘‘dairy free’’ while others were labelled as ‘‘may contain milk’’ which allows for low levels of milk protein.
Gourmet chocolate outlets around the country caught in the recall include de Spa Chocolatier, Bella Chocolates, House of Chocolate, Silky Oak Chocolates, Chocolate Traders, The Chocolate Workshop, Devonport Chocolates, Wanaka Chocolate and Bohemein Fresh Chocolates along with retailer Vetro Mediterranean Foods and Equagold Products.
MPI confirmed an allergic reaction by a consumer led it to test the dark chocolate, which was found to contain high levels of milk protein.
‘‘The levels detected are considered to be of significant concern for consumers allergic to milk proteins and others who wish to avoid milk proteins,’’ MPI food compliance manager Melinda Sando said.
The recalls started on February 19 with all batches and all dates of Devonport Chocolates own-brand dark chocolate products including chocolate bars, hearts and spoons.
Dozens of lines including boxed chocolates, chocolate rugby balls and chocolate kiwis were recalled from Silky Oak Chocolates on February 20.
On the same day chocolate chain de Spa Chocolatier recalled its own-brand dairy free chocolates sold in two Christchurch stores and one Wellington outlet, and The Chocolate Workshop recalled some of its Wanaka Chocolate products along with some peanut butter cups.
On February 22 the Bohemein Fresh Chocolates recall was announced along with the House of Chocolate recall which captured freeze-dried strawberries dipped in chocolate, peanut butter nougat, chocolate bars and dark chocolate caramelised nuts.
Consumers can return purchases for a refund.
Sando said the New Zealand businesses had been relying on the information provided to them the by the supplier, and it understood the ‘‘issue has occurred when the dark chocolate was made using processing lines previously used to manufacture milk chocolate’’.
De Spa Chocolatier owner Philippe de Spa said the recalls were the result of one person becoming ‘‘extremely ill’’ due to an allergic reaction from eating chocolate produced by Callebaut, a Belgian company.
All of the affected chocolate companies were supplied by Callebaut.
De Spa said he would not be taking legal action against the company because it stated its chocolate solids may contain traces of milk.
The recall would not cause significant costs to the company because it produced handmade chocolate in smaller quantities.
‘‘Singapore identified when it produced the chocolate it did not completely flush the system out with product. If you don’t completely eradicate traces of dairy then some milk can be carried over if dark chocolate is being produced, and that’s what’s happened here.’’
The company’s Facebook page said its products were being recalled after its labelling saying ‘‘contains no added dairy’’ was deemed no longer sufficient as cross contamination of dairy was likely to be present.
‘‘We are issuing a product recall notice for these items so we can repackage with a label that says ‘The chocolate used in the product is made by a manufacturer who also processes milk product, therefore milk product is likely to be present’.’’