High levels of heavy metals found in popular chocolate products. The details

A recent report has found "concerning" levels of lead and cadmium in a third of various chocolate products it tested. The non-profit consumer group said 16 of the 48 products from various makers that its scientists tested contained potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium or both, reported Reuters.

Consumer Reports, an organisation that tests products for safety, has called on Hershey to reduce the amounts of heavy metals in its chocolate.

What

• Consumer Reports is urging Hershey to prioritise the safety of their chocolate products.
• Out of the 48 products tested from various chocolate makers, 16 were found to contain excessive levels of lead, cadmium, or both.
• The evaluation covered seven categories of chocolate, including dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mixes for brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate.
• Several products were found to have elevated levels of these harmful metals, including a dark chocolate bar and hot chocolate mix from Walmart, cocoa powder from Hershey's and Droste, semi-sweet chocolate chips from Target, and hot chocolate mixes from Trader Joe's, Nestle, and Starbucks.

The only chocolate that met safety standards was milk chocolate bars, as they typically contain less cocoa.

Risks involved

• Prolonged exposure to these metals can lead to issues with the nervous system, a weakened immune system, and kidney damage, as reported by Consumer Reports.
• Pregnant women and young children are at even greater risk.
• The US Food and Drug Administration, responsible for ensuring food safety, emphasized to Consumer Reports that chocolate is only a minor source of these metals globally.
• Nonetheless, it remains the responsibility of chocolate manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products.
• In December 2022, Consumer Reports found that 23 out of 28 dark chocolate bars they tested, including Hershey's chocolate, contained excessive lead or cadmium.
• Chocolate from various brands like Hershey, Lily's, and Scharffen Berger was included in the testing.
• Brian Ronholm, the director of food policy at Consumer Reports, emphasized that Hershey, as a prominent brand, should commit to making their chocolate safer.

However, on Wednesday, they did not call upon other chocolate makers to do the same.

In March, Hershey's Chief Financial Officer, Steve Voskuil, mentioned their efforts to reduce lead and cadmium levels in their chocolate.

He explained that these metals could naturally be present in the soil where cocoa beans grow, and they are actively working to eliminate them entirely.

According to Reuters,more than 75,000 individuals have signed a petition urging Hershey to ensure the safety of their chocolate, reiterating their call once again.

Health risks associated with lead and cadmium consumption

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead exposure can increase the likelihood of high blood pressure, heart issues, and kidney problems.

• Excessive lead exposure during pregnancy can result in complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.

• Cadmium is classified as a cancer-causing agent.

• Prolonged exposure to small amounts of cadmium, whether through the air, food, water, or particularly through smoking, can lead to kidney issues and bone weakness.