Consumer Reports, a highly respected non-profit consumer organization headquartered in the United States, recently conducted tests on a diverse range of chocolate products. Their findings revealed worrisome levels of lead and cadmium in around one-third of the products assessed.
The study A Third of Chocolate Products Are High in Heavy Metals, CR's Tests Find, involved a total of 48 items within seven different categories, which included dark and milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, as well as mixes for brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate. Worryingly, it was discovered that 16 of these products contained higher-than-normal levels of either lead, cadmium, or both.
The brands that were identified for having higher than acceptable levels of metal content included Walmart's dark chocolate bar and hot chocolate mix, as well as cocoa powder from Hershey's and Droste. Additionally, Target's semi-sweet chocolate chips, as well as hot chocolate mixes from Trader Joe's, Nestle, and Starbucks, were also found to be implicated. It is worth noting that milk chocolate bars, with their lower cocoa solid content, were the only ones found to be free from excessive metal levels.
In regards to health implications, extended exposure to heavy metals can result in complications in the nervous system, compromised immunity, and harm to the kidneys. It is important to note that this presents a heightened risk to pregnant women and young children, as highlighted by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Consumer Reports has previously shared the information that 23 out of the 28 dark chocolate bars tested, including the brand owned by Hershey, were found to have higher levels of lead or cadmium. Brian Ronholm, the food policy director at Consumer Reports, requests Hershey, a highly recognized and widely consumed brand, to prioritize the safety of its chocolate products.
Hershey responded politely by expressing its strong commitment to reducing lead and cadmium levels, while also highlighting that these metals can naturally exist in the soil. The company's CFO, Steve Voskuil, kindly stated their aspiration to fully eradicate these elements.
Christopher Gindlesperger, a spokesperson for the trade group, reassured that chocolate and cocoa continue to be safe for consumption, confidently affirming their enduring position as beloved indulgences.
Considering the recent findings by Consumer Reports, it is crucial for both consumers and manufacturers to give utmost importance to the safety of chocolate products. The detection of lead and cadmium in specific items raises notable health concerns, especially for susceptible individuals. Leading brands such as Hershey are kindly requested to take proactive measures to minimize these detrimental substances. It is a shared responsibility to guarantee the quality and safety of chocolate for the benefit of all those who enjoy it.
Image source: Consumer Reports
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