FDA attempts to change chocolate

#1

I heard on NPR yesterday that the FDA is looking at the possibility of re-writing the acceptable definition of chocolate. For those of you who don't know, Chocolate is defined currently as a mixture of cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar. There can be other ingredients in it (emulsifiers, preservatives, milk, almonds, etc), but the main ingredients must be those 3. The FDA is looking into allowing types of hydrogenated vegetable oils to be substituted partially or wholly for the cocoa butter. Does anyone remember trying to eat one of those Easter Bunnies that could sit on your dashboard on a Summer's day in Florida and not melt? That's the kind of "Chocolate" they want to be able to call "Chocolate". Now it's called "chocolate flavored" or something like that.

Are there any other chocoholics out there that are just as incensed about this as I am? Would you eat what they mass produce or would you go out and find "gourmet" chocolate that's made the way it's supposed to be?

#2

gourmet all the way

#3

Would Hershey's do the same?

#4

It's quite possible the major chocolate manufacturers would alter their process. While some would not, there's no way short of reading the label to tell before you take a bite (then, I'd bet you'd know).

#5

This is basically a blasphemous act on the part of the US government. It's one thing to start wars, violate human rights, or otherwise ignore the Constitution. I'm fine with that.

But messing with Chocolate?! It's time to march on Washington!

#6

and make sure they're supposed to be green....

#7

I think I have made it obvious in other topics that I don't um, read the labels. lol

#8

...damned government won't be satisfied till they've totally fucked up everything worth living for...

Lost Ghost · #9

lmao adtz...

I personally don't eat chocolate so it wouldn't matter to me....but what's the point in the FDA doing this?

Would it be cheaper to produce?

What's their motive?

#10

From what I understand, a large part of the food distribution network wants the change (not so much the chocolate industry) mostly like the grocers and distributors. What their motive is I can't understand. WTF should they care if it's "chocolate" or "chocolate flavored" when they're stocking it?