Chocolate Allergies Linked to Roaches

Allergy sufferers who react to chocolate might be shocked to learn their allergy could be linked to something other than the cocoa bean: an allergy to cockroaches.

According to a report on ABC News, an average of 8 insect parts are found in a chocolate bar and deemed safe, according to the FDA’s guidelines.

“Most foods have natural contaminants in them, but there are levels which the FDA deems safe,” said allergist Dr. Morton M. Teich.  “Anything more than 60 insect pieces per 100 grams of chocolate is rejected by the FDA. ”

Trace amounts of insect parts that are ground into the food and can affect people with allergies and asthma.  Some side effects include migraines, cramps, itching or hives.

Chocolate isn’t the only food product to blame for contamination, other foods like peanut butter,  macaroni, fruit, cheese, popcorn, wheat and some cheese also contain this material.

Source: ABCnews.com