Bad news from the US. The Chocolate Manufacturers Association wants to change how chocolate is defined so that crappy imitation chocolate-flavoured stuff can be reclassified as actual chocolate.

It has asked the Food and Drug Administration if the much cheaper vegetable oil may be substituted for cocoa butter, and whey protein for dry whole milk, and still be called chocolate.

The proposals are part of a wider petition by various food industry groups which declares itself in favour of "modernising food standards".

Fortunately, a sturdy defence is being mounted, with the Guittard Chocolate Company eager as any to get into the fray.

In a press release, fourth generation chocolatier Gary Guittard (great job title) says the changes would short change the consumer and lower the "gold standard" for chocolate.

"There are no clear consumer benefits associated with the proposed changes," he adds. "No one can afford to sit back and eat bon-bons while America's great passion for chocolate is threatened. We're asking the public to sign/send an email petition or to phone or email the Food and Drug Administration."

Point your browser here to join the fight. ®

*Er, not really. But some people would like to think so.

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