CLASS II ONGOING Food recall · Reported 9 Oct 2024 · FDA Enforcement Report
Heart of the Earth (HOTE) 100% Pure Ceremonial Cacao recalled
Inner Waymark is recalling Heart of the Earth (HOTE) 100% Pure Ceremonial Cacao Pre-Ground Paste, distributed in 15 states. The recall was initiated on 21 Aug 2024 and the FDA has classified it as Class II.
Check your package
Do not eat it. Return it to the store for a refund or throw it away. If you have symptoms after eating it, contact a doctor.
Recall details
- Recall number
- F-0004-2025
- FDA event ID
- 95213
- Recalling firm
- Inner Waymark, Portland, OR
- Brand
- Heart
- Classification
- Class II
- Status
- Ongoing
- Recall initiated
- 21 Aug 2024
- FDA classified
- 1 Oct 2024
- Reported
- 9 Oct 2024
- Type
- Voluntary: Firm initiated
- Customers notified by
- Reason category
- Lead & Heavy Metals
- Product category
- Chocolate
Timeline
| 21 Aug 2024 | Recall initiated by company | |
| 1 Oct 2024 | Classified by FDA | +41 days |
| 9 Oct 2024 | Published in enforcement report | +8 days |
Companies usually start a recall weeks before the FDA classifies and publishes it; the gap above is that lag.
Reason for recall
Elevated lead level 0.671 ppm in cacao (chocolate)
Lead and other heavy metals accumulate in the body. Children are most at risk; even low levels can affect development.
Product as listed by the FDA
Heart of the Earth (HOTE) 100% Pure Ceremonial Cacao Pre-Ground Paste. Net Wt. 16oz (454g). Packaged in Kraft paper heat sealed stand-up pouch bags with inner plastic liner with SKU PC-GRUCCP-1LB. Product of Guatemala. Distributed Soul Lift Cacao of Portland, Oregon. The product is 100% pure cacao (chocolate) which is not ready for consumption. In most cases it is prepared into a chocolate drink with hot water and a blender.
Where it was distributed
Distributed to CA, FL, IL, KY, MD, ME, MI, MO, MT, NH, NY, OR, TX, UT, and WI.
CaliforniaFloridaIllinoisKentuckyMarylandMaineMichiganMissouriMontanaNew HampshireNew YorkOregonTexasUtahWisconsin
Questions about this recall
Why was it recalled?
Elevated lead level 0.671 ppm in cacao (chocolate)
Which lots are affected?
Lot #506 with "best by" date June 18, 2026.
Where was it sold?
Distributed to CA, FL, IL, KY, MD, ME, MI, MO, MT, NH, NY, OR, TX, UT, and WI.
What should I do if I have it?
Do not eat it. Return it to the store for a refund or throw it away. If you have symptoms after eating it, contact a doctor.
What does Class II mean?
Class II means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or the probability of serious harm is remote.
Read the official FDA notice · Source record retrieved 26 Sep 2026. The FDA describes openFDA data as unvalidated; the official notice takes precedence. This page reports the record and gives no medical advice.
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