Lead and Cadmium Discovered in Chocolate: Research Reveals Presence of Heavy Metals in Certain Products

Recent data from Consumer Reports (CR) suggests that heavy metals may be present in a third of dark chocolate. This confectionery is often praised for its ability to satisfy sweet cravings and offer some health benefits. Moreover, it usually contains less sugar than milk chocolate, making it an appealing alternative for individuals trying to reduce sugar consumption.

The recent study conducted in October by Consumer Reports revealed that a third of dark chocolate samples were found to have traces of lead and cadmium. James E. Rogers, the director and acting head of product safety testing at Consumer Reports, says, "Our studies focused on two heavy metals, cadmium and lead, because the literature and information out there indicated that these two heavy metals when found at concerning levels, present the most concerning risk in chocolate products." 

These heavy metals can adversely impact various body systems including respiratory, neurologic, digestive, cardiovascular, and urinary. They may act as carcinogens and have estrogenic functions, potentially affecting immune cells and inflammatory markers.

However, Rogers doesn't want these findings to cause widespread alarm. He clarifies, "We are not advising against consuming chocolate in its various forms. However, we are providing this information to help consumers make safer choices.”

The report indicates certain chocolate brands that have higher levels of heavy metals and recommends practices for selecting safer chocolate options. The research team analyzed 48 different products that fell into different categories.

The chocolate products used in this study, which came from well-known brands like Hershey’s, Ghirardelli, and Nestlé, were purchased from nationwide retailers as well as specialty chocolate manufacturers.

Rogers explains, "Our testing methods are standard methods for reporting the presence and amounts of heavy metals in chocolate." The research team quantified the presence of lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in each product and averaged the results.

Since there is a lack of federal regulation concerning permissible limits of lead and cadmium in food, the researchers used California’s standard maximum allowable dose levels as their benchmark. The results revealed a higher concentration of the tested metals in dark chocolate compared to milk chocolate.

Nestle mentions that awareness is crucial as lead and cadmium can harm the brain and nervous system. Although it's not possible for customers to guarantee the absence of heavy metals in their chocolate, Nestle advises opting for milk chocolate or those with lower cocoa content.

In this context, Nestle proposes a change in government regulation and encourages consumers to voice their concerns to the FDA and congressional representatives. Rogers also supports this sentiment and advises certain groups like pregnant women and children, who are more vulnerable, to be particularly cautious while choosing chocolates.

Rogers insists that both manufacturers and the FDA need to test input ingredients and final products for heavy metals and remove any contaminated items before they reach retail shelves. In conclusion, he suggests that in absence of stringent processes and regulation, consumers should remain vigilant about their diet.

Rogers concludes, “It may not be possible to avoid all dietary exposure to heavy metals, because there are other, possible sources of these contaminants in your diet. However, our goal is to help consumers reduce their total exposure to heavy metals by providing information such as this study.”