Consumer Reports, a non-profit consumer advocacy group, has raised concerns about the presence of lead and cadmium in a significant number of chocolate products recently subjected to testing. According to their investigation, 16 out of the 48 chocolate products from various manufacturers were found to contain levels of these toxic metals that could pose health risks if consumed in substantial quantities.
The tested products spanned seven categories, including dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, brownie mixes, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate. Among these, the products with elevated metal content included a dark chocolate bar and hot chocolate mix from Walmart, cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and hot chocolate mixes. Notably, milk chocolate bars, with lower cocoa solids, did not exhibit excessive amounts of lead or cadmium.
Consumer Reports has underlined the potential health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to these heavy metals, which include nervous system issues, immune system suppression, and kidney damage. Pregnant women and young children are particularly at risk. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers chocolate a ‘minor source of exposure’ to lead and cadmium on a global scale, it underscores the importance for manufacturers and processors to ensure the safety of their products.
Consumer Reports also pointed out that a petition signed by over 75,000 consumers urging Hershey to reduce the presence of heavy metals in its chocolate has been renewed.
