A study by Consumer Reports has found harmful levels of lead, cadmium, and other metals in chocolates, including Hershey’s, Trader Joe’s, Dove and Lindt.
Out of the 48 chocolate products analyzed, 16 had lead, cadmium, or both, and 23 out of the 28 dark chocolates tested had excessive levels of these heavy metal substances. Interestingly, milk chocolates had negligible levels.
Not just chocolate
Apart from dark and milk chocolate, the study found cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mixes for brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate also contain alarming amounts of metals.
Health risks
Lead and cadmium are particularly harmful to pregnant women and children. Long-term exposure causes damage to the kidney, nervous and immune systems.
Hershey Chief Financial Officer Steve Voskuil says lead and cadmium are naturally occurring agents in chocolates and their levels depend on the country of origin.
An average American consumes three chocolate bars per week and around 34% of the US population prefers dark chocolate.