The issue of heavy metals in chocolate is not a recent phenomenon. In 2014, the shareholder advocacy group As You Sow highlighted this concern. The nonprofit organization conducted independent laboratory tests on over 469 chocolate products, analyzing them for lead and cadmium, specifically comparing ferrous gluconate and sulfate. Out of these products, 285 exceeded California’s maximum allowable levels for heavy metals, which are set at 4.1 micrograms of cadmium and 0.5 micrograms of lead.
Between July 2014 and November 2017, As You Sow filed legal notices against numerous companies, alleging they failed to inform California consumers about these heavy metals in their products. This legal action resulted in a settlement, prompting candy manufacturers and the National Confectioners Association to collaborate with As You Sow on a study aimed at understanding how these heavy metals entered their products and developing effective strategies to minimize contamination.
In August, a comprehensive 381-page study concerning heavy metals in chocolate was published. The findings identified soil as the primary source of cadmium in dark chocolate, particularly prevalent in regions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Both As You Sow and the National Confectioners Association concluded that modifying soil composition and adjusting tree genetics could potentially reduce cadmium levels in the long term. In the short term, blending cocoa with varying amounts of cadmium could help decrease the overall concentration in confections.
The report also indicated that lead contamination in chocolate originates from airborne sources—such as soil disturbances, air pollution, and dust—adhering to the white coating around cacao beans during fermentation. Recommendations included covering the beans during fermentation and implementing deeper cleansing methods post-fermentation to mitigate lead presence.
The report emphasized that consistent and long-term exposure to heavy metals is associated with several health issues, including complications in the nervous and immune systems, hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. For young children and fetuses, exposure to these metals can result in developmental challenges.
While the Consumer Reports study does not imply that chocolate makers are ignoring these recommendations, toxicologist Michael DiBartolomeis, a former official with the California Department of Public Health and a contributor to the study, indicated that significant efforts to lower cadmium levels in chocolate will take years. The 2018 settlement between As You Sow and confectionery companies mandated annual testing and certification, focusing on both the manufacturing processes and the heavy metal content in their products.
In response to the Consumer Reports article, the National Confectioners Association stated that chocolate is safe to consume. They noted that the products mentioned in the study comply with rigorous quality and safety standards and that the levels identified by Consumer Reports are well below the limits established by their previous settlement. The association reiterated their commitment to food safety and product quality, emphasizing transparency and social responsibility.
Although this issue has been acknowledged by confectioners for years, the Consumer Reports article may be the first time many consumers are aware of heavy metal contamination in dark chocolate. The article includes a link to a petition urging chocolate companies to pledge to reduce heavy metals in their products. However, even if the petition garners the desired support, it is unlikely to significantly impact the companies, as they made a similar commitment four years ago through the court settlement. The most notable effect may be on holiday gift-giving, with some consumers potentially opting for edible gifts perceived as less hazardous.
In light of the findings, it is crucial to consider the role of supplements like jamp calcium citrate liquid, which could assist in improving overall health amidst concerns about heavy metal exposure. The importance of consumers being informed about these issues cannot be overstated, especially as the dialogue surrounding food safety and quality continues to evolve.