Summary: Forwarded email says that Sherwood Brands Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate Coins imported from China may contain deadly melamine and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has warned the public not to eat, distribute or sell the candy.
Description: Forwarded email
Circulating since: Oct. 2008
Status: True
Email example contributed by Liz P., Oct. 22, 2008:
With Halloween fast approaching comes a warning to parents and kids regarding Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold milk chocolate coins imported from China.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat, distribute or sell the candy.
It is sold across Canada by Costco and may also have been sold in bulk packages or as individual pieces at various dollar and bulk stores.
The chocolate contains melamine which is the same chemical responsible for killing several babies in China, and sickening thousands more.
Comments: True. Canadian news sources confirm that more than 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) of Sherwood Brands Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate Coins manufactured in China were recalled from store shelves on October 8, 2008 after they were found to contain melamine, a toxic chemical compound.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the gold foil-wrapped chocolates were being sold at Costco and other bulk and dollar stores across Canada. Though the amount of melamine found in the candy was very low and no injuries have been reported, the agency decided to issue a warning because the distribution of the product was so wide.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has not issued a recall because the product was only distributed in Canada, a representative of the agency told the Akron Beacon Journal. The FDA says it has taken "aggressive action" to ensure that no melamine-contaminated products reach store shelves in the United States.
For an up-to-date list of all foods and beverages the FDA advises consumers to avoid because of possible melamine contamination click here.
Email This Article
Sources and further reading:
Consumer Advisory - Sherwood Brands Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate Coins May Be Contaminated with Melamine
Press release, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 8 October 2008
Chinese-Made Chocolate Coins Recalled
National Post, 9 October 2008Halloween Confections from China on Shelves
Akron Beacon Journal, 22 October 2008Melamine Contamination in China
U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 18 October 2008
Last updated: 10/30/08
