Here’s some not-so-sweet information for sweet lovers: A new study by Consumer Reports (CR) discovered that a number of dark-chocolate bars available on the market comprise ranges of heavy metals — particularly, lead and cadmium — that might pose well being dangers.
Among the merchandise cited for his or her excessive ranges of lead and/or cadmium metals are ones manufactured by such manufacturers and retailers as Hershey’s
HSY,
Godiva, Lindt, Theo Chocolate and Trader Joe’s, in accordance with Consumer Reports, which used California’s most allowable dose stage (MADL) for lead and cadmium as the idea for its report.
Consumer Reports said, “We used those levels because there are no federal limits for the amount of lead and cadmium most foods can contain, and CR’s scientists believe that California’s levels are the most protective available.”
So for instance, the Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate bar had 127% of the utmost allowable dose stage of lead and 229% of the extent of cadmium. In the same vary, Theo Chocolate’s Organic Extra Dark Pure Dark Chocolate had 140% of the extent of lead and 189% of the extent of cadmium.
While darkish chocolate has been hailed in recent times for its healthy attributes, stemming from the truth that it’s wealthy in antioxidants, there’s additionally been concern about its steel content material. CR famous that, “Consistent, long-term exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can lead to a variety of health problems. The danger is greatest for pregnant people and young because the metals can cause developmental problems, affect brain development, and lead to lower IQ.”
CR defined that there’s much less of a problem with milk chocolate as a result of darkish chocolate, by nature, has a better cacao content material — and the presence of the metals is related with cacao.
In response to MarketWatch queries to some of its member organizations, together with Theo Chocolate, the National Confectioners Association mentioned, “Chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries.” The affiliation additionally mentioned that the California requirements cited by CR are usually not thought-about food-safety requirements.
“Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible,” the affiliation added.
Godiva responded to MarketWatch with the next assertion: “Consumers can be assured that all Godiva products are safe, and that our products follow all relevant government regulations.” Similarly, Lindt mentioned, “Food safety and high quality are paramount” for the corporate.
And Hershey’s mentioned, “We source our ingredients and manufacture our products in accordance with a robust food safety plan that is employed across the full breadth of our portfolio, including our chocolate products.”
Trader Joe’s didn’t instantly reply to a MarketWatch request for remark.
The CR examine did discover a few of the 28 bars it examined had been “safer choices” based mostly on the very fact they’d decrease ranges of lead and cadmium. Those included bars from Ghirardelli, Valrhona, Taza Chocolate and Mast.