Personal Injury Law

Don't Drink The Hot Cocoa Until You Read About Recall

By Jane Akre

A Canadian company, Dorsey Marketing Inc., is recalling lots of three different cocoa products sold at stores in the U.S. nationwide because of the presence of melamine.  

The product on the shelf is called G & L Gourmet Market cocoa products.

The recalled products were imported into the United States by DMI and distributed nationwide to retailer Big Lots during the weeks of September 22, 2008 and September 29, 2008 and to retailer Shopko during the week of October 10, 2008.

Melamine is the product that was found to have contaminated milk in China and dog food. Added by the manufacturers, it can up the apparent count of protein. No word from the company on whether the ingredients include contaminated milk from China.

Do not consume the following products:

G&J Hot Cocoa Stuffer Item 120144 (UPC 061361201444). This hot cocoa product was sold in small green and blue boxes with a backer card, candy cane, and marshmallows.

G&J His and Hers Hot Cocoa Set Item 120129 (UPC 489702201296). This cocoa product was sold with two ceramic mugs in a brown box.

G&J Cocoa item 120126, sold in two flavors: French Vanilla Cocoa (UPC 061361201260, sold in a small green bag with a whisk attached) and Double Chocolate Cocoa (UPC 061361201260, sold in a small pink bag with a whisk attached).

No injuries have been reported from ingesting the melamine, but it the chemical is known to cause kidney disease.

The Quebec, Canada company reports only a few samples have, in fact, been found to include melamine. However, DMI says it is proceeding with this recall in the interest of public health and the safety of American consumers.

Consumers are advised to check their Christmas stocking as well as gift baskets that may contain the cocoa products.

You are asked to return the product to the store for a refund.  Or call the manufacturer, DMI.

In September, infant formula from China was reported to be contaminated with melamine. Melamine is an industrial chemical that is not naturally occurring and is not approved to be added to food.  Melamine mimics protein in food and has been found in milk from China as well as added to recalled pet food. #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on December 23, 2008 (boomark / email).