The Consumer Reports Investigation
In October 2023, Consumer Reports (CR) released a follow-up investigation into heavy metals in chocolate products, building on its previous December 2022 report focusing on dark chocolate bars. This time, CR scientists tested a wider range of items, including cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and hot cocoa mixes. The investigation focused on quantifying levels of lead and cadmium, using California's Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADL) as a benchmark due to the lack of federal standards for these metals in most foods.
The most notable finding concerning Hershey's products was that a one-tablespoon serving of Hershey's Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened 100% Cacao exceeded CR's lead limit. While this specific powder was not flagged for high cadmium levels, the presence of lead raised significant concerns. The tests also found high lead levels in some dark chocolate products owned by Hershey's, such as Lily's and Special Dark bars, in previous reports. The findings highlight that cocoa-intensive products are more likely to contain heavy metals.
Why Heavy Metals Are Found in Cocoa and Chocolate
Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are naturally occurring elements present in the Earth's soil and environment. The cacao plant, from which cocoa is derived, can absorb these metals during its growth and cultivation. Different factors determine the concentration of these metals in the final product:
- Soil Composition: Cadmium is more readily absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil, so its levels are primarily influenced by the geochemical makeup of the region where the cacao is grown. Volcanic soil, common in certain South American cacao-growing regions, is known to be richer in cadmium.
- Post-Harvest Contamination: Lead contamination appears to be linked more to post-harvest processes. Cacao beans are often dried outdoors, and dust and soil containing lead can settle on the beans, contaminating them. This suggests that improvements in harvesting and cleaning procedures could significantly reduce lead levels.
- High Cocoa Solids: The metals are concentrated in the cocoa solids, not the cocoa butter. Consequently, products with a higher percentage of cocoa solids, such as cocoa powder and dark chocolate, tend to have higher levels of heavy metals compared to milk chocolate, which has lower cocoa content.
Health Risks of Heavy Metal Exposure
Long-term exposure to heavy metals, even in small amounts, can pose significant health risks. According to health experts and CR, the risks are particularly high for vulnerable populations like young children and pregnant women, as these metals can damage the brain and nervous system.
Lead Exposure
- Children and Pregnant Women: Can lead to developmental delays, lower IQ, and learning and behavior problems.
- Adults: Associated with reproductive issues, hypertension, kidney damage, and immune system suppression.
Cadmium Exposure
- Linked to kidney damage, bone fractures, and lung disease with long-term exposure.
- Cadmium is a known carcinogen.
The Industry's Response: What Hershey's and the NCA Have Said
In response to public scrutiny, both Hershey's and the National Confectioners Association (NCA) have commented on the issue. In March 2023, a Hershey's executive acknowledged that the company was looking for ways to reduce heavy metals in its products, while maintaining that their products are safe to eat and comply with all regulations. The NCA has consistently stressed that chocolate and cocoa are safe and that the trace amounts are naturally occurring.
- Natural Occurrence: Hershey's and the NCA emphasize that heavy metals are naturally present in the environment and thus in the raw materials.
- Safety Compliance: Companies assert that their products meet all federal and state regulations.
- Ongoing Mitigation: Hershey's mentioned exploring additional cleaning processes and alternative sourcing to further minimize metal levels.
Despite these statements, Consumer Reports continues to advocate for stricter industry standards, pointing out that some companies' products consistently have lower levels than others.
How Consumers Can Mitigate Risk
While trace amounts of heavy metals are found in many foods, and occasional consumption of chocolate is unlikely to pose immediate harm, concerned consumers can take steps to reduce their overall exposure:
- Moderate Consumption: Treat chocolate, especially dark chocolate and cocoa powder, as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
- Vary Your Diet: Don't rely on chocolate as your only source of antioxidants. A varied diet of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods helps distribute exposure across different food sources.
- Choose Lower-Risk Options: Pay attention to testing results from organizations like Consumer Reports to choose products with lower heavy metal concentrations. Milk chocolate, for instance, generally contains less cocoa solids and thus lower heavy metal levels.
- Prioritize Vulnerable Groups: Children and pregnant women should be especially cautious with dark chocolate and cocoa powder, opting for products with tested low levels.
Heavy Metals in Chocolate: A Comparison Table
| Product Type | Cocoa Solids Content | Typical Heavy Metal Levels (Based on CR) | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Powder | Very High (100% solids) | Higher lead levels are common; cadmium levels vary | Some brands, including Hershey's Naturally Unsweetened, have tested high for lead. |
| Dark Chocolate | High (70-85%) | Often high in both lead and cadmium, though levels differ widely by brand. | Levels are generally higher than in milk chocolate due to high cocoa solids. |
| Milk Chocolate | Low | Lower lead and cadmium levels overall compared to dark chocolate. | Safer for those highly concerned about heavy metals, but higher in sugar. |
| Hot Cocoa Mixes | Variable | Varies greatly based on cocoa content; some mixes were found to have high lead levels. | Check the ingredients and cocoa content for a better estimate of potential heavy metal load. |
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Yes, Hershey's cocoa powder has been found to contain heavy metals, specifically lead, in amounts exceeding consumer safety benchmarks used by Consumer Reports. This is not unique to Hershey's but is a widespread issue stemming from the natural contamination of cacao beans during growth and processing. While federal regulators note that chocolate is a minor source of overall heavy metal exposure, the presence of these toxins, particularly for vulnerable groups, cannot be ignored. By understanding the risks, moderating intake, and making informed choices based on available test data, consumers can continue to enjoy chocolate treats responsibly. To see the full results and comparison of various products, visit the Consumer Reports heavy metals in chocolate special report.
