Dagoba Organic Chocolate Recalls "Eclipse 87%," "Los Rios 68%," And "Prima Matera 100%" Dark Chocolate Products Because of High Lead Levels

Date of Recall

2006-03-31

Recall Details

Ashland, OR -- March 31, 2006 -- Dagoba Organic Chocolate of Ashland, OR 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.

If a child or fetus is exposed to high lead levels on a routine basis (daily for a period of several weeks), permanent damage to the central nervous system can occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems. In addition, sustained consumption of products containing high lead levels can produce lead poisoning which has a number of symptoms including anemia, neurologic effects such as ataxia and irritability, constipation, muscular weakness, and chronic nephritis.

The 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

No documented illnesses associated with these products have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products contained high levels of lead. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. Dagoba Chocolate is committed to rectifying this issue and ensuring that it does not occur again.

Consumers who have purchased these products should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions are encouraged to visit the company's website at http://www.dagobachocolate.com/recall. They may also contact the company toll-free at 1-800-393-6075 or via email at [email protected].

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