I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but the FDA controls what fits under the definition of chocolate for sale in the United States.

The rules currently state (basically) that chocolate must contain cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Other things can be in there, like milk fat and milk solids to make milk chocolate and a small amount of milk fat can be added to dark chcoolate as well. The new proposal would allow products that contain NO COCOA BUTTER to be call chocolate.

Why is the Chocolate Manufacturers Association pushing for this? Because it’s more cost efficient.

You know what? The FDA doesn’t have to give the CMA what they want. You have the power to reject this ... but you have to tell the FDA!

It’s never been easier ... just visit the FDA’s public comment portion of their website and tell them that you don’t want to lose real chocolate in a sea of wax and tropical oils. You can fill out the form, or send them a letter or a fax.