American and European Chocolate Recall 10/12/14

This is a first for The Chocolate Cult -- a recall of a product that affect both the European and the American markets.  Normally I see only the American recalls through the FDA but this recall is the same product just different distribution companies.  As always, check the links to the announcement and contact the appropriate officials.

J&B European Distribution Inc. Issues Allergy Alert For Undeclared Milk In Kupiec Rice Cakes With Dark Chocolate

Consumer Contact: 1-718-782-3712

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — October 7, 2014 – J&B EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION INC. of BROOKLYN, NY is recalling 40 cases of KUPIEC brand RICE CAKES WITH DARK CHOCOLATE, NET WT. 3.1 OZ. (90g), UPC # 5 906747 171742, because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

KUPIEC brand RICE CAKES WITH DARK CHOCOLATE, NET WT. 3.1 oz. (90g) were distributed to retail outlets throughout NY, NJ, and PA, and to one retail location in North Carolina. The product was shipped between 6/24/2014 and 7/23/2014.

KUPIEC brand RICE CAKES WITH DARK CHOCOLATE, NET WT. 3.1 oz., UPC # 5 906747 171742, are packed in a white oval plastic package picturing a stack of the rice cakes topped with chocolate. There are 6 rice cakes per package. The product was imported from Poland.

J&B EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION is not aware of any confirmed illnesses to date in its distribution area; however the FDA has confirmed one such case in the Chicago, IL area.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an inadvertent omission on the label by the producer during the revision of the packaging process.

Consumers who have purchased KUPIEC brand RICE CAKES WITH DARK CHOCOLATE, NET WT. 3.1 oz., UPC # 5 906747 171742, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact J&B EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION at 1-718-782-3712, Monday – Friday, 8am - 4pm, ET.

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Markpol Distributors Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Kupiec Rice Cakes with Dark Chocolate

Consumer Contact: 847-801-5050; info@markpoldistributors.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 3, 2014 - Markpol Distributors Inc. of Wood Dale, Illinois is recalling Kupiec Rice Cakes with Dark Chocolate because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Kupiec Rice Cakes with Dark Chocolate was shipped and distributed to retail stores in Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut between August 29th, 2014 and September 30th, 2014.

Kupiec Rice Cakes with Dark Chocolate has UPC 5 906747 171742, packaged in white foil with a photo image of the rice cake on the front of the packaging, and the net weight is 3.1 oz. The production date located on the back of the package is 29.05.2014 with expiration date of 29.05.2015. Lot numbers: 149/MA/3 and 149/JP/3. Customers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk should not consume this product and return recalled product to the retail store and ask for a refund.

There has been one illness reported.

Markpol Distributors Inc. initiated the voluntary recall after the mis-labeling issue was discovered through the reported consumer illness on October 1st, 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 847-801-5050 from 9am-5pm (CST) Monday – Friday or email info@markpoldistributors.com.