Japanese chocolate manufacturer Meiji Seika has recalled some confectionery products after it failed to file the appropriate paperwork for a novel sweetener made with an unapproved genetically modified enzyme. The GF2 sweetener is a sugar alternative geared toward the weight loss foods market, which had not yet been approved in Japan. Meiji recalled 16 products that contained the sweetener including chocolate, cocoa, a snack bar and the sweetener by itself.
   A spokesperson at Meiji Seika said, “we’re confident about the safety of the products based on a pile of test data we’ve collected.” The company plans to apply for approval to sell the sweetener “as soon as possible.”

   Despite the recall, environmental group Greenpeace is asking the company to provide a list of other companies that have used the sweetener in their products.