Consumer Reports' Investigations and Findings
In 2022 and 2023, Consumer Reports (CR), an independent non-profit organization, conducted studies that tested dozens of chocolate products for heavy metals, including those from Hershey's. The findings brought to light the issue of lead and cadmium contamination in many brands, with some Hershey's products showing particularly concerning levels. It is important to note that CR used California's Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADL) as a benchmark, as there are no federal limits for these metals in most foods.
Specific Hershey's Products with Detected Heavy Metals
Several Hershey's brand items and those from its subsidiaries were named in the reports for containing elevated heavy metal concentrations. The products found to contain noteworthy levels included:
- Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate: High in lead.
- Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa: High in lead.
- Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa: High in both lead and cadmium.
- Scharffen Berger Extra Dark Chocolate 82% Cacao: High in cadmium.
- Hershey's Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened 100% Cacao: Found to have excessive lead levels in a 2023 follow-up test.
Conversely, CR's tests on Hershey's standard Milk Chocolate Bar found that it contained lower levels of heavy metals compared to its dark chocolate counterparts, remaining below the set limits, though it did have the most lead among the milk chocolates tested.
Lead vs. Cadmium: Sources of Contamination
Research indicates that lead and cadmium enter cocoa products through different pathways, largely influenced by environmental factors. Understanding these sources is key to mitigating contamination.
Sources of Lead Contamination:
- External Deposits: Lead primarily gets onto cocoa beans after harvesting. As beans are left to dry outdoors, they are susceptible to absorbing lead from soil and dust. Environmental pollution, including from exhaust fumes (historically from leaded gasoline), also contributes airborne particles that can settle on the beans.
- Drying Process: The practice of drying cocoa beans near roads in some regions increases the potential for lead contamination from traffic and industrial activity.
Sources of Cadmium Contamination:
- Soil Absorption: Cadmium is absorbed by the cocoa plant itself from the soil as it grows. The presence of cadmium varies by region, with some areas, particularly those with volcanic soil, having naturally higher levels.
- Soil Management: Factors like soil acidity and aging trees can influence a plant's cadmium uptake. Addressing these soil conditions is a long-term strategy for reduction.
Health Implications of Heavy Metals in Chocolate
Consistent, long-term exposure to heavy metals like lead and cadmium, even in small amounts, poses serious health risks. While chocolate is typically a minor source of overall heavy metal exposure, the cumulative effect with other dietary and environmental sources is a concern.
Lead's Impact:
No amount of lead exposure is considered safe, especially for vulnerable populations. It can cause serious health problems over time, including:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system.
- Developmental delays and behavioral problems, particularly in children.
- Kidney damage, hypertension, and immune system suppression in adults.
Cadmium's Impact:
Chronic exposure to cadmium is linked to:
- Kidney and liver damage.
- Bone weakening and reproductive issues.
- Cardiovascular problems and an increased risk of cancer.
Comparison of Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate Contamination
| Feature | Dark Chocolate | Milk Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Content | High (e.g., 70-85% cacao) | Low (e.g., 10-50% cacao) |
| Heavy Metal Levels | Higher levels of lead and cadmium typically found | Lower levels of lead and cadmium typically found |
| Source of Metals | Heavy metals are concentrated in the cocoa solids, which are more abundant in dark chocolate | The cocoa solids are 'diluted' by milk and sugar, resulting in lower metal concentrations |
| Overall Risk | Higher risk of exposure, especially if consumed frequently | Generally lower risk, though still a potential source of metals |
| Consumer Reports Findings | Some products exceeded CR's safety benchmarks for lead, cadmium, or both | None of the tested milk chocolate bars were over CR's limits |
Navigating Chocolate Choices: What Consumers Can Do
For consumers concerned about heavy metals, there are actionable steps to minimize exposure while still enjoying chocolate.
- Diversify your intake. Avoid consuming the same chocolate product with high heavy metal content frequently. Varying brands and types of chocolate helps to reduce cumulative exposure.
- Choose products wisely. Check for test results from organizations like Consumer Reports to identify brands that consistently have lower levels of heavy metals. Some brands and products were found to be safer options.
- Consider lower cacao percentages. Since heavy metals are concentrated in cocoa solids, choosing dark chocolate with a slightly lower cacao percentage (e.g., 65-70% instead of 85%) can be an effective strategy.
- Opt for milk chocolate occasionally. Milk chocolate contains significantly less cocoa solids, and thus typically lower heavy metal levels. It can be a good occasional alternative to dark chocolate.
- Eat in moderation. Chocolate should be treated as a treat, not a major daily food source. Limiting portion sizes and frequency is the most straightforward way to reduce exposure.
- Don't assume 'Organic' is safer. Some studies, including those reviewed by CR, have found that organic chocolates can sometimes contain higher levels of heavy metals. The 'organic' label does not guarantee lower metal content.
- Be cautious with other cocoa-based items. The heavy metal issue is not exclusive to chocolate bars. Cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, and brownie mixes can also contribute to overall heavy metal intake.
The Chocolate Industry's Response and Ongoing Efforts
Following the reports, The Hershey Company and other chocolate manufacturers faced lawsuits and public pressure to address the heavy metal issue. In response, some companies have stated they are investigating methods to reduce metal levels in their products. The chocolate industry, through the National Confectioners Association, maintains that chocolate and cocoa products are safe to eat and comply with all applicable regulations. However, advocacy groups and consumer organizations continue to push for greater transparency and stronger industry standards. Efforts to mitigate heavy metals include sourcing beans from regions with naturally lower soil cadmium levels, improving bean cleaning processes, and exploring methods to limit exposure during outdoor drying.
Conclusion
While the presence of heavy metals like lead and cadmium in some Hershey's dark chocolate products is a valid concern, especially for frequent consumers and vulnerable individuals, it does not mean all chocolate is unsafe. The key takeaway from recent consumer tests is that the issue is primarily concentrated in dark chocolate and cocoa powder due to higher concentrations of cocoa solids and varying sourcing/processing practices. Informed consumers can make proactive choices to minimize their exposure. By diversifying your chocolate intake, opting for lower cacao percentages, or choosing milk chocolate, you can continue to enjoy chocolate treats responsibly. The issue also serves as a critical call for the industry to enhance sourcing and processing transparency to further reduce contamination across all products.
