In 1984, I spent time in Prague while it was still behind the Iron Curtain. We stood in line and went to a small hole-in-the-wall "market" that was merely a closet with shelving to find chocolate. We got the most expensive chocolate we could get (not that there was much to choose from). After spending two hours looking for a bank in a Communist country, we opened the wrapper while in line for the bank. It was a milky tan bar and our hearts sank. A Czech woman turned to us and said, "Don't worry, we don't like our chocolate either."
US Chocolate makers are asking the FDA allow them to redefine chocolate. Instead of cocoa butter they can use vegetable fats. Instead of milk, they can use milk substitutes. If the FDA lets them get away with this it will be the end of chocolate as we know it. The word chocolate will loose its meaning.
Whether you are for Hillary or Huckabee, Pro-life or Pro-choice, Pro-Bush or Anti-Bush, r want to pollute or save the earth, or imprison or free Mumia this is one issue we can drop our differences and unite over. If we cannot unite over this, our republic is doomed. Americans deserve to have REAL CHOCOLATE. Anything less is communism. Believe me, I know.
According to Guittard's dontmesswithourchocolate.com website, the FDA has extended the date for public outcry...err comment till May 25th. They have instructions how to file your displeasure with the attack on chocolate.
[Note: It looks like Guittard's instructions may not be updated. The best thing is to go to www.fda.gov and look for "Let Us Hear From You Section" and click on "Comment on Proposed Regulations". Click on "submit your comments". It will give you a listing of all the FDA dockets. Click on the "sort" button on Docket ID and look for 2007P-0085.Then it will take you through the process.]
Here are the guys who are behind the regulatory change:
Chocolate Manufacturers Association
8320 Old Courthouse Road
Suite 300
Vienna, VA 22182
Ph: 703-790-5011
Fx: 703-790-5752
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