Consumer Reports Finds Concerning Levels of Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate

Consumer Reports released a study on Wednesday suggesting that a third of tested chocolate products contain “concerning” levels of lead and cadmium. The non-profit consumer group specifically called on Hershey to reduce the amounts of heavy metals found in their chocolate.

The study, conducted by scientists from Consumer Reports, examined 48 chocolate products from various makers across seven categories, including dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mixes for brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate. Of these products, 16 were found to contain potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium, or both.

Some of the products identified in the study as having excessive metal content included 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. However, milk chocolate bars were found not to contain excessive levels of lead or cadmium.

Consumer Reports has highlighted the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to lead and cadmium, which include nervous system problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to these dangers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that chocolate is considered a “minor source of exposure” to lead and cadmium internationally. However, manufacturers and processors are responsible for ensuring the safety of their food.

Consumer Reports previously revealed in December that 23 out of 28 tested dark chocolate bars contained excessive levels of lead or cadmium, including products from Hershey brands such as Lily’s and Scharffen Berger. In response, Brian Ronholm, the food policy director at Consumer Reports, called on Hershey, as a leading brand, to make its chocolate safer. The non-profit has now petitioned Hershey once more to reduce heavy metals in its chocolate.

Hershey has expressed its commitment to reducing levels of lead and cadmium in its products. The company acknowledges that these metals are naturally occurring elements in soil and can be found in chocolate products.

The study has received significant attention, with over 75,000 consumers signing a petition for Hershey to address the issue of heavy metals in their chocolate.

Christopher Gindlesperger, a spokesman for the National Confectioners Association, has emphasized that chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and have been enjoyed as treats for centuries.

Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York;

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