Testing Reveals Heavy Metals in Hershey's Dark Chocolate
In December 2022, the non-profit organization Consumer Reports (CR) published a groundbreaking study that found detectable amounts of lead and cadmium in all 28 dark chocolate bars it tested, including products from Hershey. The findings revealed that for 23 of the bars, eating just an ounce a day could put an adult over a level that health authorities consider potentially harmful for at least one of these heavy metals. The results put a spotlight on the potential health risks associated with a food often promoted for its wellness benefits. Following this, a 2023 follow-up by CR reaffirmed that many chocolate products, including Hershey's, still contained concerning levels of these contaminants.
Which Hershey's products were affected?
The CR tests specifically highlighted several Hershey's products:
- Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate: This bar showed one of the highest lead levels in the initial 2022 testing.
- Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): A brand owned by Hershey, this product also showed elevated lead levels.
- Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate (85% cocoa): CR tests indicated this bar contained high levels of both lead and cadmium.
- Hershey's Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened (100% Cacao): A separate 2023 test found this cocoa powder also contained concerning lead levels.
How do heavy metals get into chocolate?
Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are not intentionally added to chocolate. Instead, they find their way into the product naturally, primarily through two pathways related to the cultivation and processing of cocoa beans.
- Cadmium absorption from the soil: Cacao trees absorb cadmium from the soil through their roots. This is more common in certain regions, particularly those with volcanic soil, like some areas of Latin America. The cadmium then accumulates in the cacao beans as they grow.
- Lead contamination after harvest: Lead contamination is believed to occur after the cocoa beans are harvested. It is thought to come from dust and soil that settles on the beans as they dry outdoors in the open air, a common practice in cocoa production.
Hershey's response and legal action
In the wake of the Consumer Reports findings, Hershey has publicly commented on the issue. Hershey's CFO, Steve Voskuil, stated in March 2023 that the company was looking to reduce the 'trace' amounts of lead and cadmium. The company asserts that the metals are naturally occurring and that their products comply with all applicable regulations. However, this issue has also led to legal action. Several class-action lawsuits have been filed against Hershey, alleging that the company misled consumers by not disclosing the heavy metal content of its products.
Is dark chocolate still a safe choice?
For most adults, enjoying dark chocolate in moderation is unlikely to pose a significant health risk. The main concern with heavy metals is chronic, long-term exposure, which can accumulate in the body. The risk is most significant for frequent consumers and vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant individuals. Health experts recommend consuming dark chocolate as a treat rather than a daily staple and suggest opting for brands with lower heavy metal levels, as identified by organizations like Consumer Reports.
Comparison of Tested Chocolate Products
| Product | Type | CR 2022 Lead Level (vs. CA MADL) | CR 2022 Cadmium Level (vs. CA MADL) | CR 2023 Lead Level (vs. CR limit) | CR 2023 Cadmium Level (vs. CR limit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey's Special Dark | Dark Chocolate | 265% | 30% | N/A | N/A |
| Lily's Extremely Dark | Dark Chocolate | 143% | 101% | High in both | High in both |
| Taza Organic Deliciously Dark | Dark Chocolate | 33% | 74% | N/A | N/A |
| Ghirardelli Intense Dark (86%) | Dark Chocolate | 36% | 39% | N/A | N/A |
| Hershey's Cocoa | Cocoa Powder | N/A | N/A | 125% | 18% |
| Navitas Organics Cacao Powder | Cocoa Powder | N/A | N/A | 77% | 17% |
| Hershey's Milk Chocolate | Milk Chocolate | N/A | N/A | 67% | 31% |
How to Reduce Heavy Metal Exposure from Chocolate
- Limit your intake: Treat chocolate as a special indulgence rather than an everyday staple, especially if you consume darker varieties.
- Choose lower cacao percentages: Cacao levels are lower in milk chocolate, which correlates with lower heavy metal levels. While lead levels don't directly correlate, cadmium levels often increase with the cacao percentage.
- Choose chocolate from specific regions: Studies have suggested that cocoa beans grown in specific regions, such as parts of West Africa, tend to have lower heavy metal levels than those from Central or South America.
- Diversify your diet: Don't rely solely on chocolate for antioxidants. A well-rounded diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help offset heavy metal intake from any single source.
Conclusion
Yes, testing by Consumer Reports has confirmed the presence of lead in Hershey's dark chocolate products, along with cadmium. While the company maintains that its products meet safety standards, the findings raise legitimate concerns for consumers. The heavy metals are not intentionally added but are absorbed from the soil (cadmium) and accumulated during processing (lead). For most people, the risk from moderate consumption is low, but frequent consumers, children, and pregnant individuals should be more cautious. By understanding the sources of contamination and being mindful of intake, consumers can still enjoy chocolate as a treat while minimizing potential risks. To make informed choices, consumers can check the test results from reputable sources like Consumer Reports when purchasing dark chocolate.
Consumer Reports: Lead and Cadmium in Dark Chocolate
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Hershey's dark chocolate safe to eat? Hershey's dark chocolate products comply with applicable laws and regulations, but tests by Consumer Reports found levels of lead and cadmium that the organization deems concerning for regular consumption. The risk is most significant with frequent intake over time.
2. How much lead is in Hershey's Special Dark chocolate? In a 2022 test by Consumer Reports, Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate contained lead at 265% of California's Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL), based on a one-ounce serving.
3. How does lead get into chocolate? Lead is believed to contaminate cocoa beans after they are harvested, typically during the drying process, when dust and soil can settle on them.
4. Is there a safe level of lead to consume? Public health authorities generally agree that there is no safe level of lead, though regulatory limits exist for various products. The risk comes from accumulation over time from various sources.
5. Does cadmium also contaminate Hershey's dark chocolate? Yes, tests have also detected cadmium, another heavy metal, in some of Hershey's dark chocolate products, including the Lily's 85% Extremely Dark bar.
6. What is Hershey's doing about the heavy metals? Hershey has publicly stated that they are investigating ways to further reduce the presence of trace amounts of heavy metals in their products, acknowledging that they can occur naturally in cocoa beans.
7. Should I stop eating dark chocolate entirely? For most people, it is not necessary to stop eating dark chocolate altogether. The key is moderation. Consuming it as an occasional treat and choosing products known to have lower heavy metal levels can significantly reduce exposure.
