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Is Hershey still really dark chocolate? Not to criticize other brands, but none of my *safe* chocolates are dark and that's why I've been wanting Hershey.
Of course, once I get my fill of that, I'll be missing something else. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]
Hi Anna Marie,
I think Hersheys may make a safe dark chocolate bar, but I can't remember.
You could also try eating "AERO DARK". It is made by Nestle Canada in the nut-free Toronto facility.
I think Cadbury Canada still makes the "CARAMILK DARK", which is also safe.
[img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
[This message has been edited by erik (edited March 10, 2003).]
You're just a *Candy Thesaurus* aren't you? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]
I wondered why everyone called you CandyMan, I guess I sure got my answer.
Thanks again.
Hi Anna Marie,
You're welcome.
I saw a large size "Hersheys Special Dark" (100g??) at lunch time, but it had a peanut warning... hmm. maybe the regular size may be ok .. if I see it anywhere I'll let you know.
So for now, the only safe dark chocolate I can think of is Nestle Aero dark and Cadbury Caramilk dark.
Also, the new Coffee Crisp French Vanilla has a dark chocolate coating. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
I'm currently feeling a little uneasy about Hersheys. I called them today.
I was told if they felt there was any risk a *may contain* warning would be on the package. I asked if that meant if it ran on the same line as a peanut product it would have a warning and she said "not necessarily".
She said that "as recommended by the FDA they do an allergen wash". Canadian and US Hershey products are both labelled the same (unlike many other companies) and they strictly follow the recommendations of the Canadian FDA.
But, Canada doesn't have an FDA does it? We have the CFIA. I checked the CFIA web-page and although I found a lot of information about labelling regarding allergies, I found nothing about an allergen wash.
What is this *allergen wash*?
Not specific to Hershey, but when other companies have explained an allergen wash, it seems to include totally breaking down equipment parts and cleaning very thouroughly. Might even include swabbing for allergens. I have more faith in this than a statement saying we follow good manufacturing guidelines, rinsing between runs or such. I worry about particles getting stuck and it seems better to break down equipment.
However, watching "Unwrapped" is very educational, just to see manufacture of many sweets. It is a show on the food network. These places are huge warehouses and huge machines. It just sort fo grosses me out sometimes, even in terms of thinking about machine parte and lube and grease that makes them go! Never mind nuts. Anything with lots of crumbs seems impossible to really clean all the way up, even with hoses and such. It is just so cavernous in these places.
I do trust Hershey and we have been fine. Have even been branching out. Gotta be able to have something! becca
I agree with Becca. Hersheys uses "manufactured in a facility that uses peanuts" and "manufactured on the same equipment that processes peanuts" warning labels so I do trust their labelling. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
Until this phone call I trusted them too. But anybody claiming to follow Canadian FDA regulations obviously doesn't know what they are talking about. (I realize this could just be the person who answers the phone doesn't know the difference between our countries, but she should if she's answering those questions.)
I've been searching for information about the FDA - hoping to find out about this *allergen wash* but I'm not finding any web-sites.
Maybe a lot of the companies I have been feeling safe with use this method - and maybe it really is safe. I'd just like to check it out and I'm lost.
If anybody knows of web-sites for the FDA regarding labeling practices, food allergies, or *allergen wash*, please let me know.
Hi Anna Marie,
Long time no talk.. how are you?
In reading the labels on Hersheys I think they are fine. The majority of their products have "manufactured in a facility that uses peanuts" or "manufactured on the same equipment that uses peanuts"...
so if there is no warning I would think it is fine [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
ie: hershey kisses, etc
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