Lead contamination prompts US candy recall

An Oregon chocolate manufacturer has recalled batches of organic confectionery after fears that the products could contain high levels of lead.

Dagoba Organic Chocolate manufacturer issued the recall for six types of its candy. The company said that the recall was a precautionary measure against any health risks associated with lead poisoning.

"This chocolate may pose a threat to consumers due to the high levels of lead, and we want to take every step possible to ensure the safety of Georgia consumers," said Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin.

"I encourage any concerned Georgians to return the product to the point of sale for a refund."The products in question were sold through resale and wholesale vendors specialising in health foods throughout the US, as well as via Internet websites.

Inspectors have been instructed to check all retail outlets for the implicated products, and to place any found items on hold for pickup by the distributor, or to arrange for voluntary destruction by the seller.

The specific bars in the implicated lot are as follows: "Dagoba Organic Eclipse 87 per cent Extra Dark," 2 oz bar, with the lot codes 20061122, 20061130, 20061201, 20061206, 20061213, 20061214, 20061219, 20061227, 20070103, 20070116, 20070130, 20070213, 20070220, 20070227, 20070306, 20070313;

"Dagoba Organic Los Rios 68 per cent - Ecuador Arriba," 2 oz bar with the lot codes 20070213, 20070223, 20070323;

"Dagoba Organic Prima Materia 100 per cent - Ecuador Arriba," 2 lb brick, with the lot code 20070109;

"Dagoba Organic Los Rios Choco Drops 68 per cent - Ecuador Arriba Nacional," 5 lb foil bag with the lot code 20070222;

"Dagoba Organic Los Rios 68 per cent - Ecuador Arriba Nacional" 25 lb bag with the lot code 310240498;

and the "Dagoba Organic 'Eclipse Broken Bars' Forest Grown Organic Extra Dark Chocolate," 1.5 lb bulk bags, all lot codes.