Consumer Reports: Chocolate contains lead, cadmium

[Compiled and published by New Sancai] Consumer Reports reported that one-third of various chocolate products recently tested contained lead and cadmium, and the levels were worryingly high. They also called on Hershey to ) company reduces heavy metal content in chocolate.

The nonprofit consumer group said 16 of the 48 products from different manufacturers tested by its scientists contained potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium or both.

Consumer Reports tested products in seven categories: dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips and mixes of brownies, brownies and hot chocolate.

Products found to contain excessive amounts of metal include Walmart's dark chocolate bars and hot chocolate mixes, Hershey's and Droste's cocoa powder, Target's semi-sweet chocolate chips and Trader Joe's, Nestlé and Starbucks hot chocolate mix.

Only milk chocolate bars with less cocoa solids were not found to contain excessive metals.

Consumer Reports says long-term exposure to these metals can cause neurological problems, immune system suppression and kidney damage, with greater harm to pregnant women and young children.

The FDA told the nonprofit that experts consider chocolate to be a "minor source of exposure" to lead and cadmium internationally, but that manufacturers and processors still have a responsibility to ensure their food is safe.

The study, published on October 25, is consistent with findings from a December 2022 Consumer Reports report, which showed that 23 of 28 dark chocolate bars tested contained too much lead or cadmium. These include Hershey's own brands, as well as Lily's and Scharffen Berger brand products.

Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said Hershey's, as a leading and popular brand, should be committed to the food safety of its chocolate. The nonprofit isn't asking other manufacturers to make the same commitment.

In March 2023, Hershey Chief Financial Officer Steve Voskuil said his company was looking to reduce lead and cadmium levels, noting that the metals are natural elements in the soil and may be present in chocolate products. "We'd love to eradicate it," Voskul said.

According to Consumer Reports, more than 75,000 consumers who previously signed a petition asking Hershey to reduce the content of heavy metals in chocolate have launched another petition against the company.

The Hershey Company asked the National Confectionery Council to respond to consumer concerns. "Cocoa and chocolate are safe foods and can be enjoyed as gourmet foods as they have been for centuries," said Christopher Gindlesperger, a spokesman for the trade group.

(Compiled by: Wang Huiming)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: First published by Xinsancai)