Q - What information and guidance is there for manufacturars of Cacao Products?

A - Standards of identity have been established under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for a number of chocolate and cacao products. If a cacao product is labeled as one of the standardized products listed in the regulations, the shipper or buyer should take care to ensure that it conforms to the standard for that product (21 CFR 163).

Excess shell is frequently the cause of detention of various standardized cacao products. Cacao beans offered for import sometimes show damage which bars them from entry. Beans with mold permeating the bean or showing clouds of spores when cracked are objectionable, as are wormy, insect infested beans which may contain live or dead insects, webbing, or insect excreta. Moldy and insect-infested beans should be removed from the lot before shipment. Care should be taken to store beans before and during shipment so that mold and infestation by insects or rodents are prevented. Some shipments have been contaminated by animal excreta--evidence of storage or handling under insanitary conditions.

Food Import / Export Regulations Advice Guidance and Information