New Study Finds Heavy Metals Like Lead In US Dark Chocolate Products

A new study by George Washington University researchers found that many dark chocolate products in the US market contain toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium. The study analyzed 72 consumer cocoa products over an eight-year period and found that 43 percent exceeded the maximum allowable dose for lead, while 35 percent exceeded the maximum allowable dose for cadmium. Organic products showed higher levels of contamination compared to non-organic ones. Despite the results, no products exceeded the maximum allowable dose for arsenic.

Cadmium, one of the heavy metals found in the chocolate products, can cause cancer and have negative impacts on various bodily systems. The US Food and Drug Administration warns against exposure to lead, stating that there is no known safe level. The study's authors advise moderation when consuming chocolate and other foods that may contain heavy metals. Other US food products have also been found to contain lead, highlighting the need for further investigation into heavy metal contamination in the food supply chain.