Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa chocolate bar recalled

Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc. is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa chocolate bars distributed in New York state because it may contain undeclared milk allergens in amounts that exceed thresholds established by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent Feb. 15. The product does bear the allergen notice “May Contain Milk” below the ingredient list.

Those with milk allergies run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.

The Defense Commissary Agency has publicized this recall to all its stores, said Richard Stith, Chief, Public Health Division, DeCA headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia. Whenever a commissary has recalled or withdrawn products in its inventory, they are immediately removed from store shelves.                                   

The following product is affected by this recall:

• Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa chocolate bar, 3.5 ounces: UPC 0-37466-01645-0, with lot code L4809 and “best before” date of Aug. 31.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions. Customers should return this product to the commissary of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions should contact New York Agriculture offices; the Albany Press Office at 518-457-0752 or the State Fair Press Office at 315-487-7711.