According to Consumer Reports, millions of Americans consume chocolate products that include levels of lead and cadmium, two heavy metals connected to a variety of health issues especially in pregnant women and young children that might be harmful.
The organization tested 48 chocolate products from various makers and found that 16 of those tested had levels of lead, cadmium, or both, that were higher than the limits set by California’s Proposition 65 a state law requiring businesses to put warning labels on their products exposing consumers to toxic substances.
Consumer Reports, an influential chocolate brand in the United States, called on Hershey to make changes to reduce heavy metal contents in its chocolate products. More than 75,000 consumers signed the petition for change within Hershey and the demand for chocolate that is safer.
“We think consumers deserve better. We think Hershey should take action to get these metals out of their products,” said Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumer Reports.
According to Hershey, the company was working on reducing heavy metals in chocolate as much as possible, although metals of this kind are expected in the soil and cocoa. It also added that the organization complies with all regulatory requirements and industry best practices on this matter.
“We are committed to ensuring our products are safe and high-quality. We continually work with our suppliers to identify and implement solutions to reduce the levels of naturally occurring minerals in cocoa,” said Jeff Beckman, director of corporate communications at Hershey.
It said, however, that Hershey should do more about the problem, as some other chocolate makers have lower levels of heavy metals in their products. Also urging consumers to limit their chocolate consumption, choose dark chocolate, and pick products with less cocoa solids are Jim McConnell and his colleagues at Consumer Reports.
“There is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe. It’s especially problematic for kids because their brains are still developing,” said James Dickerson, chief scientific officer at Consumer Reports.
“We’re not saying don’t eat chocolate. We’re saying eat less of it and choose products with lower levels of these metals,” said Charlotte Vallaeys, senior policy analyst at Consumer Reports.
It said consumers had a right to know what was in their food; companies should be transparent.
“We believe that consumers have a right to know what’s in their food and that companies should be transparent about the ingredients they use,” said Marta Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports.
Relevant articles:
– Consumer Reports finds more lead and cadmium in chocolate, urges change at Hershey, Reuters, October 25, 2023
– Consumer Reports Urges Hershey’s to Get Heavy Metals Out of Chocolate Products, Consumer Reports, October 25, 2023
– Consumer Reports: ‘Concerning’ lead levels in chocolate, Hershey should reduce, New York Post, October 25, 2023
– Hershey Urged to Reduce Harmful Heavy Metal Content in Chocolate, Says Consumer Reports, EconoTimes, October 26, 2023