Chocolate Allergy Study Reveals Real Cause May Be Insect Parts in Processed Cocoa

New research suggests that people who believe themselves to be allergic to chocolate may not actually be experiencing an allergic reaction to cocoa. Instead, the real culprit might be bug parts that have made their way into the chocolate during the manufacturing process. The study found an average of 8 insect pieces in every batch of chocolate on store shelves.

While the idea of eating insect parts might seem gross, it plays an even more significant role with people who have food allergies. As ABC News reports, people who think they have a chocolate allergy may actually be allergic to cockroaches, ground into the cocoa unintentionally while at the factory.

Dr. Morton M. Teich spoke about the study to Imperfect Parent, commenting "Most foods have natural contaminants in them, but there are levels which the FDA deems safe. Anything more than 60 insect pieces per 100 grams of chocolate is rejected by the FDA... "Allergists are testing now because they’re finding that asthma can be caused by cockroaches."

Unfortunately for those who determine that their 'chocolate allergy' is really a cockroach allergy, bug parts may be found in other popular processed foods. If you think you or a family member may be suffering from this, there is an allergy test available, and allergy shots administered over time can greatly reduce the severity of the reaction.