Consumer Reports shared today that it has found high levels of lead and cadmium in roughly a third of recently-tested chocolate products. Hershey, among others, was called on to reduce the heavy metal quantities in its chocolate.
The consumer group said that 16 of 48 tested products from a range of makers contained potentially harmful levels of lead and/or cadmium. Products were tested in the following categories: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and mixes for hot chocolate brownies, and cake.
Consumer Reports shared that long-term exposure to these metals can lead to negative health outcomes like nervous system issues, immune system suppression, and kidney damage. It added that these heavy metals can be found in many other foods, like rice, fish, and spinach.
Consumer Reports also shared that a dark chocolate bar and hot chocolate mix from Walmart, cocoa powder from Hershey’s, semi-sweet chocolate chips from Target and Hu, hot chocolate mixes from Trader Joe’s, Nestle, and Starbucks, and brownie and cake mixes from Ghirardelli, Simple Mills, and Bob’s Red Mill all contain excessive metal contents. SFA member company products from Chocolove, Guittard Chocolate Company, Navitas Organics, and BetterBody, were among those tested and deemed safe.
Milk chocolate bars were the only chocolate product found to be free from excessive metal content.
In response to the findings, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement: "Chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible." Full Story
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