Dec 11, 2013: Health Matters America/Organic Traditions various chocolates (US)

[GingerPye]

Health Matters America Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In Organic Traditions Brand Dark Chocolate Hazelnuts, Dark Chocolate Hazelnuts With Chili, Dark Chocolate Almonds, And Dark Chocolate Almonds With Chili

Contact:
Consumer:
1-888-343-3278

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 11, 2013 - HEALTH MATTERS AMERICA INC. of Cheektowaga, New York is recalling specific lots of ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS, ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS WITH CHILI, ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS, and ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS WITH CHILI because they were found to contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS, ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS WITH CHILI, ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS, and ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS WITH CHILI were distributed through retail stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

The recall applies to 3.5 oz. (100 g) and 8 oz. (227 g) consumer size bags as follows:
•ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS Lot numbers 41.12, 17.13, 04.13, 02.13; NET WT. 3.5 oz. UPC 8 54260 01400 6, and NET WT. 8 oz. UPC 8 54260 00701 5;
•ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS WITH CHILI Lot numbers 41.12, 02.13, 16.13; NET WT. 3.5 oz. UPC 8 54260 01450 1, and NET WT. 8 oz. UPC 8 54260 00703 9;
•ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS Lot numbers 39.12, 03.13, 16.13; NET WT. 3.5 oz. UPC 8 54260 01500 3, and NET WT. 8 oz. UPC 8 54260 00705 3;
•ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS WITH CHILI Lot numbers 40.12, 16.13; NET WT. 3.5 oz. UPC 8 54260 01550 8, and NET WT. 8 oz. UPC 8 54260 00707 7.

The products were also distributed in cartons containing 2 x 12 lbs. bulk bags (totaling 24 lbs.).

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS had tested positive for milk and was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Testing of the other products by CFIA also revealed the presence of undeclared milk. The problem may have been caused through cross contamination during production and processing at the foreign manufacturer.

Consumers who have purchased the above lots of ORGANIC TRADITIONS brand DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS, DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS WITH CHILI, DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS, or DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS WITH CHILI are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-343-3278, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm ET.