The issue of heavy metals in chocolate has been under scrutiny for nearly a decade, following the advocacy efforts of As You Sow, a shareholder group that brought this concern to light in 2014. This led to a settlement where candy manufacturers and the National Confectioners Association collaborated with As You Sow to study how heavy metals infiltrated their products and to devise practical solutions for reducing contamination. However, Consumer Reports highlighted that some confectioners are more successful than others in limiting metal presence in their offerings. The organization specifically urged Hershey, a prominent and well-liked brand, to take action to ensure its chocolate is safer. A consumer petition was initiated by the nonprofit group, calling for Hershey to commit to lowering heavy metal levels in its products.
Earlier this year, a Hershey executive mentioned the company’s ongoing efforts to eliminate more metals through enhanced cleaning methods and alternative sourcing, according to Brian Ronholm, the director of food policy at Consumer Reports. “We hope they will uphold that commitment,” he stated. In a communication to Food Dive, Hershey emphasized that the “safety and quality of our products” are of utmost importance and that they adhere to “all applicable laws and regulations.” The company explained that since cadmium and lead are naturally occurring in the environment, their presence in various foods cannot be completely avoided. “We work closely with our suppliers to minimize their presence in our products,” Hershey added.
In a general response following the report’s release, the National Confectioners Association asserted that chocolate and cocoa are safe to consume and can be enjoyed as they have been for centuries. It is important to recognize that prolonged exposure to heavy metals is associated with several health issues, including problems with the nervous and immune systems, hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive complications. For young children and developing fetuses, exposure can result in developmental challenges.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed Consumer Reports that, despite the extensive media coverage regarding cadmium and lead in chocolate, experts worldwide have determined that chocolate represents a minor source of exposure to these contaminants on an international scale. Ronholm pointed out that while metals do naturally exist in soil, chocolate manufacturers can take measures to enhance product safety. These measures could include sourcing from regions with lower metal levels and blending beans from various locations, as well as testing cocoa and discarding lots from particularly problematic areas.
The recent findings from Consumer Reports are not likely to substantially affect large confectionery companies in the immediate future, unless consumer pressure ramps up significantly. These companies have already pledged to lower heavy metal levels in their products as part of the court settlement. Meanwhile, for individuals seeking to improve their overall health, supplements like calcium citrate 1000 mg with vitamin D can be beneficial, especially if they are concerned about the potential effects of heavy metals and want to support their well-being.