Grocery chain Trader Joe's has recalled two types of chocolate bars after it found that its supplier has not disclosed milk in those products.
The company has voluntarily issued an alert on the consumption of its Chocolate Orange Sticks and their Chocolate Raspberry Sticks, which may contain milk not listed as an ingredient.
Trader Joe's in a statement said: "We have been alerted by our supplier of Trader Joe's Chocolate Orange Sticks (SKU 084716) and Trader Joe's Chocolate Raspberry Sticks (SKU 084712) that these products may contain milk, which is not listed in their ingredients."
It has already stopped selling those products after two reports of reactions to consumption of chocolate bars have been reports.
Trader Joe's is offering a full refund on return of purchased products. It warned that consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk may be exposed to the risk of allergic reaction if they consumer those products.
Last week, consumer health watchdog As You Sow disclosed that 35 out of 50 chocolate products, including those sold by Trader Joe's, expose consumers to lead and cadmium above levels set by California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act.
The agency has filed legal notices against chocolate manufacturers, including Trader Joe's,Hershey's,Green and Black's, Lindt, Whole Foods, Kroger, Godiva, See's Candies, Mars, Theo Chocolate, Equal Exchange, Ghirardelli, Earth Circle Organics, and more, for failure to warn of lead and/or cadmium in their chocolate products.
As You Sow's Environmental Health Consultant MPH Eleanne van Vliet said: "Lead exposure is associated with neurological impairment, such as learning disabilities and decreased IQ, even at very low levels. In fact, there is no safe level of lead for children."
As You Sow president Danielle Fugere said: "Lead and cadmium accumulate in the body, so avoiding exposure is important, especially for children.
"Our goal is to work with chocolate manufacturers to find ways\ to avoid these metals in their products."
Image: The grocery chain is recalling Trader Joe's Chocolate Orange Sticks and Trader Joe's Raspberry Sticks. Photo courtesy of Trader Joe's.
