I talked with Greg. Rdomfoto- I looked back and I sent you that plug. My apologies- rather embarrassing. Having said that, Greg was very forthcoming and acknowledged that, being a natural product, these things can happen. He stated the middle of the plug is a bright VA and had to have been too wet when the cake was made to have this occur. He has not been made aware from others of the issue but apologized for the issue and disappointment. He sent our conversation onto the head of production for their awareness. The plug is made in a very large cake so who knows how much plug was effected.
On a side note- he said NOT to smoke a molded pipe tobacco. Cutting off the molded portion is likely not enough. He also said to wash the mason jar it was in with warm soapy water and then rinse the jar with vinegar and then rewash. He said once a cold appears it is likely throughout and is rather aggressive. He was genuinely concerned and proved to me once again how good of a man he is.
PS- Rdomfoto-- I will make good on your sample again...