Brownie containing melatonin draws criticism

Associated Press Contributor
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BOSTON—Two mayors in Massachusetts want to ban a brownie that contains a sleep aid and features a cartoon character that critics say appeals to children.

A Lazy Cakes brownie contains 8 milligrams of melatonin, a sleep-inducing supplement.

Fall River Mayor William Flanagan calls the brownies despicable and has drafted an ordinance to ban them. New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang also wants a ban.

Caroline Apovian, director of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center at Boston Medical Center, says it's not appropriate to put herbal supplements in brownies or other foods that could appeal to children. She calls the herbal supplement a drug.

Lazy Cakes spokeswoman Laura Finlayson says the label's cartoon character, “Lazy Larry,” is not targeted to children. She says the brownies are labeled for adult use only.