N.J. bakery shut down over labeling issues

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CLIFTON, N.J., March 15 (UPI) -- A New Jersey bakery has been shut down until it complies with labeling requirements for allegedly using sugar in products advertised as "sugar-free."

U.S. District Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh this month ordered Butterfly Bakery Inc. in Clifton to halt operations until it complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration labeling laws, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

The FDA and state officials had been testing baked goods from Butterfly Bakery for several years and found the bakery regularly sold products labeled "sugar-free" that were in fact loaded with sugar.

The bakery stated on its Facebook page that it has been working with the FDA since 2011 "to improve its processes and ensure compliance."

Three of the bakery's 45 items were cited in the FDA's complaint against the establishment, and those "are no longer being made and haven't been for quite some time," the bakery said.

"Butterfly Bakery wants to assure all of its customers that we take continuous pride in the integrity of our products while practicing good manufacturing and ensuring the safety and quality of our products," the Facebook page reads. "We are confident that our product claims are true and we are continuing operations to satisfy our customer's needs."

Meanwhile, some customers said they were upset about the news.

"You cheated us," wrote Facebook user Jim Hietala. "You should go to jail for the unknown harm you caused. My wife loved your muffins, and she is diabetic. Shame on you."