Chocolate Law

Unlike my fur-based brethren, as a virtual cat I can indulge in chocolate on Valentine's day (and every other day).  But, like my fellow fur-based felines, I am finicky and want to know that my chocolate is of the highest quality.  Like many, I prefer dark chocolate for both the flavor and health benefits.  Interestingly, there is no legal definition of "dark" chocolate (see chart and link below) .  For a great primer on chocolate, see You Say Cacao, I Say Cocoa on WebMD.

Here are the relevant legal guidelines for chocolate-loving lawyer's on Valentine's Day.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the naming and ingredients of cocoa products:

Product	Chocolate Liquor	Milk Solids	CFR section in Title 21
Milk Chocolate	≥ 10%	≥ 12%	163.130
Sweet Chocolate	≥ 15%	≥ 12%	163.123
Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate	≥ 35%	≥ 12%	163.123(a)(3)
White Chocolate	≥ 20% cacao fat	≥ 14%	163.124

Enjoy  and Happy Valentine's Day !!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat