French-made chocolate recalled in metal scare

Chapon, the French company started in Paris by Patrice Chapon, has recalled its “Colombie torréfaction longue 70% cacao" bars, in fear that they may contain too much Cadmium, a toxic metal that can damage human health.

The bars concerned will have the numbers 170414771, 170314771 or 170411771 printed on the packaging, as well as the numbers EAN: 3700251006208, and the date 04/2019, as reported in French news source Le Figaro today.

Exposure to too much cadmium has been shown to cause kidney failure, bone fragility, respiratory problems, issues with the reproductive system, liver, and immune system; and may even cause a higher risk of cancer.

If you have bought this chocolate, professionals have warned that you should not eat it, but instead take it back to the shop or supermarket from which it was purchased, for an exchange or refund.

There is also a number that has been made available for anyone who is worried or would like more information: 06 12 95 64 68.

Chocolatier Patrice Chapon, who opened his first chocolate laboratoire in Paris in 1984, also worked at Buckingham Palace in London, making ice-creams for the Royal Family before returning to Paris. There are now four boutiques - one in Paris 7th, one in Paris 16th, one in Neuilly, and other in Chelles.

The company's chocolate bars are often recognisable by their distinctive colourful packaging, and Chapon logo in vintage-style font on the front.