Tag: Heavy metals in food

While no foods naturally contain tungsten as a nutrient, trace amounts can enter the food supply through environmental contamination. This heavy metal is not an essential element for human life and its presence in our diet is generally considered insignificant. However, increased industrial use has raised questions about potential health impacts from long-term, low-level exposure.

According to a 2022 investigation by Consumer Reports, certain Hershey's dark chocolate products, including Hershey's Special Dark and Lily's brand dark chocolates, contained elevated levels of lead. The presence of lead and cadmium, though in trace amounts, in these products has prompted concern among consumers and led to class-action lawsuits against the company. This issue stems from environmental contamination and processing practices within the cocoa industry.

According to Harvard Health, excessive consumption of starchy root vegetables can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes, comparing them more to grains than greens. This perspective raises a crucial question: why shouldn't you eat root vegetables without caution? While a nutritious part of many diets, certain risks are associated with overindulgence and specific preparation methods.

According to recent studies by Consumer Reports and As You Sow, many dark chocolate products contain detectable levels of lead and cadmium, raising health concerns for frequent consumers. This guide explains why and how to find which chocolates don't have lead, helping you make more informed choices for a safer indulgence.

In May 2025, Consumer Reports testing found that over two-thirds of sampled cassava-based products, including chips, contained concerning levels of lead. These findings have prompted new questions regarding the safety of this popular gluten-free snack and lead many to ask: do cassava chips have lead?

In May 2025, a Consumer Reports investigation found that more than two-thirds of tested cassava-based products, a key ingredient in many Siete chips, contained concerning levels of lead. This has led many to question, 'Are Siete chips high in lead?' and to examine the safety of cassava-based snacks.

Recent FDA alerts and consumer reports have revealed that certain cinnamon products on store shelves contain dangerously high levels of lead. While lead contamination in food can be a result of environmental factors, the extreme levels found in recent incidents, particularly linked to a 2023 applesauce recall, point to intentional economic adulteration.

According to the European Commission, the food groups contributing most to dietary cadmium exposure include cereals, vegetables, nuts, pulses, and meat products. As a widespread environmental pollutant, cadmium can contaminate many items in our food supply, posing a potential health risk to consumers. While total elimination is impossible, understanding the primary sources is key to minimizing exposure.

According to the Nickel Institute, standard butter contains a very low concentration of nickel, specifically averaging about 0.8 micrograms per 10-gram serving. This makes it a suitable option for individuals sensitive to the metal who must manage their dietary intake. So, does butter have nickel in it? The answer is yes, but in negligible amounts.

According to a 2019 report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, 95% of tested baby foods contained at least one heavy metal. While toxic metals are present in the environment naturally and through pollution, certain foods accumulate them more readily than others. Understanding which foods are high in metals is the first step toward making informed dietary choices to minimize your intake.