High levels of heavy metals found in dark chocolate: even 30 grams of this delicacy can undermine health

Some types of dark chocolate, long considered healthier than other sweets, contain potentially dangerous amounts of heavy metals. This is evidenced by the results of a recent study, writes CBS News.

Photo: IStock

Scientists from the non-profit advocacy organization Consumer Reports (CR) measured the amount of heavy metals in dark chocolate bars of 28 popular brands. In each of them they found cadmium and lead. In the case of 23 tiles, consuming just one ounce (about 30 grams) a day would result in a person receiving a health-threatening dose of at least one of these metals. The five types of chocolates tested contain so much cadmium and lead that consuming one ounce of chocolate would be doubly dangerous - the body would receive a dangerous dose of both cadmium and lead.

Experts say long-term exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can lead to a host of health problems, including brain development in young children.

“But there are risks for people of all ages,” said Tunde Akinley, a CR researcher who led the testing. He noted that frequent lead exposure in adults can lead to problems with the nervous system, hypertension, weakened immune systems, kidney damage, and disruption of the reproductive organs.

On the subject: Sports and healthy food: scientists admitted that they were wrong about the main recipe for longevity

Most of the chocolate bars tested contained worrying levels of lead, cadmium, or both. At the same time, in five tested chocolates, the content of both of these metals was relatively low (their list is at the end of the article).

“This shows that companies can produce products with less heavy metals and consumers can find safer products,” Akinley said.

When determining human risks, CR used California's maximum levels of lead and cadmium in food, as there are no federal limits. These levels are 0,5 micrograms (mcg) for lead and 4,1 mcg for cadmium in one ounce (about 30 grams) of product.

In particular, the study found that an ounce of Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet chocolate contained 265% more lead than allowed in California, and Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate had 192%.

A spokesperson for Hershey's, commenting on the study, cited the National Confectioners Association. Her statement emphasizes that the study's use of metal levels set by California renders its results worthless because the state does not set federal food safety standards.

“The products mentioned in this study meet stringent quality and safety requirements,” said a spokesman for the National Confectioners Association. “Food safety and product quality remain our top priorities, and we continue to strive to be transparent and socially responsible.”

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

According to the CR study, the safest types of dark chocolate in the US are:

• Mast Organic Dark Chocolate 80% Cocoa. It contains 14% less lead and 40% less cadmium than California law allows.
• Taza Chocolate Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao: 33% less lead and 74% less cadmium.
• Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate 86% Cacao contained: 36% less lead and 39% less cadmium.
• Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight: 61% less lead and 96% less cadmium.
• Valrhona Abinao Dark Chocolate 85% Cacao: 63% less lead and 73% less cadmium.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Five unexpected things with which you may not be allowed on a plane

Personal Experience: 3 Reasons I Don't Shop at Costco Anymore

Baby bottles are recalled in the US because of them the child may be poisoned with lead

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.