Consumer Reports, a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding consumer interests, has voiced apprehensions about the presence of lead and cadmium at concerning levels in a substantial proportion of recently tested chocolate products. Their analysis revealed that 16 out of the 48 chocolate products sourced from various manufacturers contained levels of these heavy metals that could potentially be harmful when consumed in excessive amounts.
The array of products subjected to rigorous testing encompassed seven distinct categories, encompassing dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and an assortment of baking mixes, including brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate. The chocolate products found to contain elevated metal content consisted of a dark chocolate bar and hot chocolate mix from Walmart, cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and various hot chocolate mixes. Notably, only milk chocolate bars, characterized by lower cocoa solid content, were exempt from having excessive levels of lead or cadmium.
Consumer Reports has sounded the alarm about the potential health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to these heavy metals. This includes the risk of nervous system impairments, weakened immune functions, and potential kidney damage. Special attention is drawn to the vulnerability of pregnant women and young children. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration categorizes chocolate as a “minor source of exposure” to lead and cadmium in the global context, it underscores the responsibility of manufacturers and processors to ensure the safety of their products.
Consumer Reports has also underscored that over 75,000 concerned consumers have previously signed a petition, urging Hershey, a prominent chocolate manufacturer, to reduce the levels of heavy metals in their chocolate products. This petition has now been revitalized, reflecting a persistent concern among consumers regarding the issue of heavy metal contamination in chocolate.
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