Understanding the Heavy Metal Concern in Chocolate
Recent reports from consumer advocacy organizations like Consumer Reports have brought significant attention to the issue of heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium, in chocolate products. The findings revealed that a number of brands, including some from Hershey's, contained detectable and, in some cases, concerning levels of these elements. This has raised questions for consumers, particularly those who enjoy dark chocolate or use cocoa powder regularly. While heavy metals exist naturally in the environment and are found in many foods, the concentration and frequency of consumption are key to assessing potential health risks.
Why are heavy metals in cocoa?
Heavy metals find their way into cocoa beans through two primary pathways. The first is through the soil where the cacao trees are grown. Cadmium is naturally present in some soils, especially volcanic ones common in South America where some of the world's cacao is sourced. Cocoa trees absorb this cadmium through their roots, and it accumulates in the beans. This is why dark chocolate, which contains a higher concentration of cocoa solids, often has higher cadmium levels.
The second major source is lead contamination, which tends to happen after the harvest. Cocoa beans are often fermented and dried outdoors, which can expose them to airborne lead from soil and dust. Industrial pollution and the historical use of leaded gasoline have dispersed this element widely into the environment. The National Confectioners Association and other experts have noted that lead can adhere to the outer shell of the beans, which is typically removed during processing, but some may remain and mix with the cocoa solids.
The findings on Hershey's and related products
Multiple tests conducted by Consumer Reports have specifically called out Hershey's products. In late 2022, CR’s initial testing of dark chocolate bars found that Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate had concerning levels of lead. Additionally, Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa and Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa, also owned by Hershey's, were flagged for high levels of lead or both lead and cadmium. A subsequent round of testing in 2023 extended these concerns to other product types. The test revealed that Hershey's Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened 100% Cacao exceeded CR's lead limit. Furthermore, Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar also had the highest lead level of the milk chocolates tested, though it was still below CR's limit.
In response, Hershey's and the National Confectioners Association have stated that their products are safe and compliant with all regulations, emphasizing that heavy metals occur naturally. However, this has led to class-action lawsuits arguing that consumers were misled by not being informed of the presence of these metals.
How to mitigate risk and make informed choices
For consumers concerned about heavy metals, especially those in vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women, there are practical steps to take. Since heavy metal exposure is cumulative from all dietary sources, reducing intake from specific items like certain chocolate products can be a prudent strategy.
- Prioritize product variations: Milk chocolate and dark chocolates with lower cocoa percentages generally have lower concentrations of heavy metals, as they contain fewer cocoa solids.
- Consider sourcing: Cocoa from West African and some Asian regions often contains lower levels of cadmium compared to South American beans, which are often grown in volcanic soil.
- Support transparent brands: Some craft and smaller chocolate makers prioritize transparency in their sourcing and processing, which can help ensure lower metal content. European brands also adhere to stricter regulations on cadmium limits.
- Check independent testing: Refer to independent testing results from organizations like Consumer Reports to identify brands that consistently have lower heavy metal levels.
- Diversify your diet: Since heavy metals are found in many foods, including rice, leafy greens, and certain fish, maintaining a varied diet prevents over-reliance on any single source.
Comparing chocolate types and metal content
| Feature | Milk Chocolate | Dark Chocolate | Cocoa Powder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Content | Low (10-50%) | High (60-90%+) | Very High (100%) |
| Heavy Metal Risk | Generally Lower | Generally Higher | Higher (especially Lead) |
| Primary Metal | Lower Cadmium | Higher Cadmium | Varies, potential for higher Lead |
| CR Test Results | Some tested low; Hershey's had highest lead among tested milk chocolates | Some tested high for lead or cadmium; some were low | Some brands tested high for lead |
| Consumer Action | Enjoy in moderation | Limit intake, especially for vulnerable populations | Be selective, limit frequency |
What can be done about heavy metals in chocolate?
Efforts to minimize heavy metal content in chocolate extend from the farm to the factory. For cadmium, which is taken up from the soil, solutions involve improving soil management practices, such as correcting soil acidity or enriching soil with organic matter. For lead contamination, preventing post-harvest exposure is crucial. This can involve drying beans off the ground in controlled environments to prevent dust and soil particles from adhering to the beans. Manufacturers can also test cocoa beans and finished products, as well as blend cocoa from different regions to ensure final products meet safety standards. Companies like Hershey's have indicated they are looking into these methods.
Conclusion
While the presence of heavy metals in chocolate is a legitimate concern, it does not mean that all chocolate is dangerous or should be avoided entirely. The key is to be an informed consumer. By understanding how contamination occurs, monitoring independent reports, and practicing moderation, particularly with high-cocoa-content products, you can enjoy chocolate as a treat without excessive worry. For children and pregnant women, who are more susceptible to heavy metal toxicity, it is especially important to be mindful of intake. Choosing brands with transparent sourcing and lower reported metal levels can help you make a healthier choice for your diet.
For more detailed information on minimizing heavy metal exposure from various foods, consult resources like those from Consumer Reports.
