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Spruce Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared
Dairy and Nut Traces in Chocolate Product

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Bob Breen
          Spruce Foods
          928-443-1994

For Immediate Release

Spruce Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Dairy and Nut Traces in Chocolate Product

Prescott, AR -- September 30, 2002 -- Effective immediately, Spruce Foods of Prescott, Arizona is recalling all lots of the following WHOLE FOODS BRAND ORGANIC CHOCOLATE BARS as they may contain undeclared traces of milk and/or nuts:

-Whole Foods Organic Milk Chocolate 100 grams; UPC 09948219000
-Whole Foods Organic Dark Chocolate 100 grams; UPC 09948219003
-Whole Foods Organic Dark Chocolate w/ Almonds 100 grams; UPC 09948219004
-Whole Foods Organic Milk Chocolate 30 grams; UPC 09948219101
-Whole Foods Organic Dark Chocolate 30 grams; UPC 09948219103
-Whole Foods Organic Dark Choc w/ Almonds 30 grams; UPC 09948219104
-Whole Foods Organic Espresso Crème 100 grams; UPC 09948219105
-Whole Foods Organic Crispy White Chocolate 100 grams; UPC 09948219005
-Whole Foods Organic Dark with Currants/Almonds 100 grams; UPC 09948219006

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy or tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. A small number of allergic reactions have been reported to date. The product does not pose health risks to non-allergic consumers.

These products were distributed at Whole Foods Market stores throughout the United States. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing trace amounts of dairy ingredients was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of dairy. Subsequent investigation indicates potential allergens (milk or tree nuts) can enter into other non-dairy/non-nut chocolate varieties during the normal course production process, requiring an on-label warning for allergy-sensitive consumers.

Consumers with questions can contact Spruce Foods at 928 443-1994, or products may be returned for a full-refund at all Whole Foods Market stores.

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FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by clb 2002-OCT-01.