The issue of heavy metals in chocolate is not a recent phenomenon. In 2014, the shareholder advocacy group As You Sow highlighted this concern by conducting independent laboratory tests on over 469 chocolate products for lead and cadmium. They found that 285 of these products contained levels of lead or cadmium exceeding California’s maximum allowable limits—4.1 micrograms of cadmium and 0.5 micrograms of lead. Between July 2014 and November 2017, As You Sow filed legal notices against several companies for failing to warn California consumers about these heavy metals in their products. This legal action culminated in a settlement, leading candy companies 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 exploring viable methods for manufacturers to reduce contamination.
In August, a comprehensive 381-page study on heavy metals in chocolate was released, identifying soil as the primary source of cadmium in dark chocolate, particularly prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean. Both As You Sow and the National Confectioners Association concluded that long-term cadmium reduction could be achieved by modifying soil composition and adjusting tree genetics. In the short term, blending cocoa with varying levels of cadmium could help decrease its overall presence in confections. The report also indicated that lead contamination in chocolate often results from airborne sources—pollution and dust—that settle on the white coating of cacao beans during fermentation. Recommendations for reducing lead included better covering of beans during fermentation and more thorough cleansing post-fermentation.
Long-term exposure to heavy metals is associated with various health issues, including nervous system and immune system disorders, hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive problems, particularly for young children and fetuses. However, the study from Consumer Reports does not imply that chocolate manufacturers are ignoring safety recommendations. Toxicologist Michael DiBartolomeis, a former official at the California Department of Public Health and one of the study’s authors, noted that it would take years to implement necessary changes to lower cadmium levels in chocolate.
The 2018 settlement between As You Sow and candy manufacturers established mandatory annual testing and certification processes to monitor both the manufacturing methods and the heavy metal content in chocolate. In response to the Consumer Reports article, the National Confectioners Association stated that chocolate products are safe to consume, asserting that the levels reported are well within the limits set by their settlement. They emphasized their commitment to food safety and product quality, pledging transparency and social responsibility.
While this issue has been recognized within the confectionery industry for years, the Consumer Reports article may mark the first time many consumers are aware of the heavy metal contamination in dark chocolate. The article includes a link to a petition urging chocolate companies to commit to reducing heavy metals in their products. Even if the petition garners the necessary signatures, it is unlikely to impact companies significantly, as they made this commitment four years prior through the court settlement. The most notable effect may be seen during holiday gift-giving, as some consumers may opt for edible gifts they perceive to be less hazardous.
In the context of health considerations, incorporating supplements like calcium citrate D3 and magnesium can be beneficial, particularly in balancing the potential risks associated with heavy metals. Regular intake of these nutrients may help support overall health, especially for those concerned about the effects of heavy metals in their diets.