Allergen warning change on Green & Black's organic chocolate

Green & Black's dark organic chocolate no longer vegan

Why has the allergen warning changed?

The new communication will highlight milk as an ingredient in its previously labelled ‘vegan’ dark organic chocolate bars. As both the milk chocolate and dark chocolate bars are made using the same production line there is a risk of cross contact. A recent audit revealed that traces of milk residues can still be found on manufacturing equipment despite intensive cleaning.

Has the recipe for dark chocolate changed?

No, the recipe has remained the same since 1998.

Is the product being manufactured in a different factory or on different equipment?

No, the facility and the process have also remained the same.

Why might there be traces of milk in the dark chocolate?

As we make Green & Black’s dark organic chocolate bars on the same production line as milk chocolate bars there will always be the possibility of some cross contact. It is impossible to remove all traces of milk residues from the equipment.

What level of milk would be safe for a milk allergy sufferer?

There is no clear data for this and experts differ on what is safe. Some suggest 5ppm casein is sufficient to cause an attack in severe sufferers. As a result we are ensuring that our labelling clearly lists milk as an ingredient.

How much milk is present in Green & Black's dark organic chocolate?

This is not possible to state without testing bars from each batch although we know that in some cases it may exceed the 5ppm that some scientist’s state can cause a reaction.

Why can’t the equipment be cleaned more effectively to remove the milk?

Whilst intensive washing with water and detergent could achieve the removal of the allergenic casein it is not practical to use water in chocolate handling equipment. The most practical method involves flushing the equipment with dark chocolate until the milk chocolate residues are removed. This is highly effective but still cannot guarantee the removal of all traces of milk protein residues.

Why can’t you make your dark chocolate on a dedicated line?

The restrictions for organic segregation and the design of plant we need for our type of chocolate restricts the availability of equipment. We are looking at alternative equipment and hope in the future to reverse this change.

I have a casein allergy and have been eating your dark chocolate for many years without a problem. Can I continue to do so?

There is actually no change to the risk but we are unable to advise you if this is safe for you to consume. What we are now clearly stating on pack is that we cannot guarantee the absence of milk. It is almost certainly going to be present – albeit at a low level.

The vegan statement has gone; has the product ever been suitable for vegans?

By definition vegan products contain no ingredients derived from animals within the recipe and this still remains true for Green & Black’s dark chocolate. However as our dark chocolate is made on the same production line as our milk chocolate there is some risk of cross contact. As a result, the desire for clearer allergen labelling now conflicts with the vegan statement and we have reluctantly decided to remove it from our labelling.

The ingredient list will show organic whole milk powder. Is this now an ingredient in Green & Black's dark chocolate?

No, the decision to show milk as an ingredient was very hard and debated for a long time. Unfortunately we can not guarantee that our dark chocolate will be free from traces of milk as it is made on the same production line and we have therefore included it as an ingredient to ensure consumers, especially milk allergy sufferers, are aware of the possibility.

What dark chocolate can I buy if I have an allergy to milk protein?

Kinnerton produce a small range of Kinnerton brand dark chocolate guaranteed to be dairy-free.