FDA issues warning on simply lite chocolate bars

WASHINGTON

Simply Natural Foods has agreed to recall chocolate bars that contain an undeclared major food allergen, milk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.

The agency said it found milk protein in 3-ounce bars of Simply Lite brand 50% Cacao Low Carb Sugar Free Dark Chocolate.

Although the bars bear an advisory statement, "may contain traces of milk," FDA indicated the amount of milk protein found in the product (more than 3,500 parts per million) exceeded what consumers and the scientific community consider trace amounts.

Commack, N.Y.-based Simply Natural Foods has agreed to recall two lot codes that were found to contain milk protein: “Best By: 01 18 2015A" or “Best By: 01 19 2015A." The products were distributed to retail stores and markets in Canada, California, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

According to FDA, food allergies range from mild symptoms to a life-threatening reaction and can develop within minutes of eating something or up to 2 hours later.

The agency asked consumers to report adverse reactions from eating the bars to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator. Consumers also can reach Simply Natural Foods at 631-543-9600.