The Controversy Over Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate
In recent years, the supposed health benefits of dark chocolate have been overshadowed by a growing controversy surrounding the presence of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Dark chocolate, valued for its high cocoa content and antioxidants, is now under scrutiny following testing by consumer advocacy groups. In December 2022, Consumer Reports published test results for 28 dark chocolate bars, revealing that all of them contained detectable amounts of lead and cadmium. For 23 of these bars, consuming just one ounce per day would expose an adult to potentially harmful levels of at least one of these metals based on California's maximum allowable dose level (MADL).
The Consumer Reports Findings on Hershey's Products
According to the 2022 report, Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate bar showed particularly high levels of lead. Specifically, it was found to have 265% of the MADL for lead in a single serving. Additionally, other Hershey-owned brands were flagged in the report. Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa tested high for both lead and cadmium, while Scharffen Berger Extra Dark Chocolate 82% Cacao was high in cadmium. These findings prompted significant public outcry, class-action lawsuits, and a renewed call for stricter regulations on heavy metal contamination in food.
How Lead and Cadmium Contaminate Chocolate
Understanding the source of contamination is crucial for addressing the issue. Heavy metals get into chocolate through different pathways, and addressing each requires a distinct strategy.
- Cadmium: This heavy metal is absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil as it grows. Cadmium levels can vary significantly depending on the soil composition of the region where the cacao is grown, with some areas naturally having higher concentrations.
- Lead: This contamination typically occurs after the cacao beans have been harvested. As the wet beans are left out to dry in the sun, lead-filled dust and dirt can settle on their surface. This lead then gets mixed into the product during processing.
Comparison of Heavy Metal Contamination in Chocolate Types
Dark chocolate, with its higher percentage of cocoa solids, generally has higher concentrations of heavy metals than milk chocolate. This is because the cocoa solids are where these contaminants are primarily found. Milk chocolate contains more milk solids and sugar, diluting the percentage of cocoa and thus the heavy metal content. This is why the Consumer Reports tests found lower levels in milk chocolate, although even the Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar had detectable lead.
Hershey's Response and the Broader Context
In response to the public concern and lawsuits, Hershey has stated that its products comply with all applicable laws and regulations and are safe to eat. The company argues that trace levels of lead and cadmium naturally exist in the environment and are present in agricultural products, including cacao. While Hershey's CFO has expressed a desire to reduce heavy metal levels, the company has not committed to a specific public plan or timeline. Consumer advocates, including Consumer Reports and As You Sow, continue to petition the company for action.
What Consumers Can Do
For health-conscious consumers, there are several steps to take to mitigate risk:
- Moderation is key: Enjoy dark chocolate in moderation, as the risk is associated with long-term, consistent exposure.
- Consider product variations: Not all brands or even all bars from the same brand have the same levels of heavy metals. Some brands consistently test lower for contaminants.
- Diversify your intake: Heavy metals are present in many agricultural foods. A varied diet helps prevent overconsumption from a single source.
Potential Health Risks of Lead and Cadmium
Even low-level exposure to heavy metals can pose health risks over time, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children and pregnant individuals. Lead exposure is linked to developmental delays and nervous system damage in children, and hypertension and kidney damage in adults. Cadmium can lead to kidney damage and other organ system toxicity. The potential health implications are the driving force behind the push for lower heavy metal levels in food products.
Conclusion: Navigating the Dark Chocolate Dilemma
The question of whether Hershey's dark chocolate contains high levels of lead is answered by recent third-party testing, which found significant levels in products like Special Dark. This is part of a broader, industry-wide issue with heavy metals in dark chocolate. While Hershey maintains its products are safe and comply with regulations, the findings from Consumer Reports have prompted consumer concern and ongoing advocacy for remediation. Ultimately, consumers can manage their intake by being informed about the potential risks and choosing to enjoy dark chocolate as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, especially for children and pregnant individuals.
The Heavy Metal Breakdown: Hershey's vs. Lower-Risk Dark Chocolate Options
| Product | Lead Level (as % of CA MADL)* | Cadmium Level (as % of CA MADL)* | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey's Special Dark | 265% | 30% | Consumer Reports 2022 |
| Hershey's Lily's Extra Dark 70% | 144% | 42% | Consumer Reports 2022 |
| Taza Chocolate 87% Dark | Negligible | Low | Cited as a safer option |
| Pascha 85% Cacao Organic | Negligible | Very Low | Cited as a safer option |
| Chocolove Extreme Dark 88% | 240% | 83% | Consumer Reports 2022 |
| Trader Joe's Dark 72% | 192% | 36% | Consumer Reports 2022 |
| Valrhona Degustation Guanaja | Negligible | Low | Cited as a safer option |
*Based on Consumer Reports' interpretation of California's Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) for their December 2022 testing.
Reducing Heavy Metals in the Cacao Supply Chain
Efforts to reduce heavy metal contamination are underway within the cocoa industry. For cadmium, which is absorbed from the soil, potential solutions include breeding cacao plants that absorb less of the metal, replacing older trees with younger ones, or treating the soil in high-risk areas. For lead, which largely contaminates the beans during drying, solutions include using clean tarps or elevated drying tables to minimize contact with lead-filled soil and dust, and covering beans to protect them from airborne particles. Some manufacturers are also exploring advanced cleaning techniques at processing facilities. For more information on chocolate manufacturing, visit the National Confectioners Association website.
