According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Dagoba Organic Chocolate of Ashland, Oregon, is recalling their ECLIPSE 87%, LOS RIOS 68%, and PRIMA MATERA 100% dark chocolate products in retail and bulk formats because they contain high levels of lead.â€
Exposure to lead can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system of children or fetuses. Regular exposure to lead can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems.
Sustained consumption of products containing high lead levels can cause lead poisoning. Some symptoms of lead poisoning include anemia, neurologic effects such as ataxia and irritability, constipation, muscular weakness, and chronic nephritis.
The recalled products were distributed nationally through wholesale food distributors and through stores that sell organic, natural and/or specialty foods, as well as via select internet sites.
The six products are:
1) Dagoba Organic Eclipse 87% Extra Dark, Size: 2 oz bar
Lot Codes:
20061122, 20061130, 20061201, 20061206, 20061213, 20061214, 20061219, 20061227, 20070103, 20070116, 20070130, 20070213, 20070220, 20070227, 20070306, 20070313,
2) Dagoba Organic Los Rios 68% – Ecuador Arriba, Size: 2 oz bar
Lot Codes:
20070213, 20070223, 20070323
3) Dagoba Organic Prima Materia 100% – Ecuador Arriba, Size: 2 lb brick
Lot Code:
20070109
4) Dagoba Organic Los Rios Choco Drops 68% – Ecuador Arriba Nacional, Size: 5 lb foil bag
Lot Code:
20070222
5) Dagoba Organic Los Rios 68% – Ecuador Arriba Nacional, Size: 25 lb bag
Lot Code:
310240498
6) Dagoba Organic “Eclipse Broken Bars” Forest Grown Organic Extra Dark Chocolate, Size: 1.5 lb bulk bags
Lot Codes:
All
To date, no documented illnesses associated with these products have been reported. The recall was initiated after a routine sampling program by the company revealed that the finished products contained high levels of lead. Production and distribution of the product has ceased as FDA and Dagoba Chocolate continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
For more information, consumers with questions are encouraged to visit the company’s website at http://www.dagobachocolate.com/recall.
