Consumer Reports Finds “Concerning” Levels of Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate Products
Consumer Reports, a non-profit consumer group, has recently conducted tests on various chocolate products and found “concerning” levels of lead and cadmium in a third of the tested items. The organization is now urging Hershey, one of the leading chocolate manufacturers, to reduce the amounts of heavy metals in its chocolate.
Out of the 48 products tested, 16 were found to contain potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium, or both. The tests covered seven categories of chocolate products, including dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mixes for brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate.
Some of the products that were found to have 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, which have fewer cocoa solids, were found to be free from excessive metal content.
Consumer Reports has cautioned that long-term exposure to lead and cadmium can lead to nervous system problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage, with pregnant women and young children being particularly vulnerable.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that chocolate is considered a “minor source of exposure” to lead and cadmium internationally. However, the responsibility for ensuring the safety of their food products lies with manufacturers and processors.
This recent study builds upon Consumer Reports’ findings from last December, which revealed that 23 out of 28 tested dark chocolate bars contained excessive lead or cadmium, including Hershey products.
Consumer Reports’ food policy director, Brian Ronholm, called on Hershey to commit to making its chocolate safer, citing the brand’s popularity and influence. The non-profit organization did not make the same request to other chocolate manufacturers.
In March, Hershey’s Chief Financial Officer, Steve Voskuil, expressed the company’s intention to reduce levels of lead and cadmium, explaining that these metals can naturally occur in the soil and, consequently, in chocolate products.
Consumer Reports stated that over 75,000 consumers have already signed a petition requesting Hershey to reduce heavy metals in its chocolate, and the organization is now launching another petition.
Hershey declined to comment on the matter and referred inquiries to the National Confectioners Association. The trade group’s spokesman, Christopher Gindlesperger, assured consumers that “chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries.”
Consumer Reports’ findings highlight the need for manufacturers to prioritize the safety of their products and take measures to reduce heavy metal content. As consumers become more health-conscious and aware, companies must respond accordingly to maintain trust and ensure the well-being of their customers.
Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Helen Popper