What is the issue?
Potentially harmful amounts of heavy metals lead and cadmium have been found in 28 popular dark chocolate brands, states a report released in December by Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports based their study on California’s standards for daily intake, which are stricter than those recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA has not issued a recall.
What products are affected?
The study was limited to 28 bars of dark chocolate, all 28 had measurable levels of lead and/or cadmium and 23 bars had levels that could be harmful for an adult to ingest more than 1 oz. of daily. See all the products tested and their metal-containing percentage here.
Products found to be higher in cadmium / UPC
Beyond Good Organic Pure Dark Chocolate 70% 08-98575-00133
Beyond Good Organic Pure Dark Chocolate 80% 08-98575-00135
Equal Exchange Organic Extra Dark Chocolate 80% 07-45998-99029
Equal Exchange Organic Extra Dark Chocolate FT 80% 07-45998-99018
Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate 70% 00-37466-01763
ScharffenBerger Extra Dark Chocolate 82% 06-43392-50026
Alter Eco Organic Dark Chocolate Classic Blackout 85% 08-17670-01006
Pascha Organic Very Dark Chocolate 85% 08-42638-00013
Dove Promises Deeper Dark Chocolate 70% 00-40000-55812
Products found to be higher in lead / UPC
Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate 70% 08-58010-00562
Tony’s Chocolonely Extra Dark Chocolate 70% 08-58010-00501
Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70% 08-56481-00319
Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate 70% 07-16270-00170
Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate 85% 00-37466-01645
Endangered Species Bold + Silky Dark Chocolate 72% 00-37014-24237
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate 72% 0054-7833
Hu Organic Simple Dark Chocolate 70% 08-50180-00604
Godiva Signature Dark Chocolate 72% 00-31290-09410
Godiva Cacao Dark Chocolate Noir Bar 72% 00-31290-11300
Chocolove Extreme Dark Chocolate 88% 07-16270-00188
Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate 0-34000-24500
Products found to be higher in lead and cadmium / UPC
Theo Organic Pure Dark 70% Cocoa 08-74492-00079
Theo Organic Extra Dark Pure Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa 08-74492-00154
Lily’s Extremely Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa 08-56481-00388
Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa 07-08656-00145
What are lead and cadmium and where do they come from?
Lead and cadmium are members of a group of naturally occurring minerals commonly called “heavy metals.” Although these metals are naturally found in our environment, industrial activity has increased the levels present in the air, water and soil, turning them into persistent environmental contaminants accumulating in our food supply. The research in this case shows that cacao trees take up cadmium from the soil through their roots, and lead contamination happens when wet cacao beans are laid out to dry. Airborne lead from soil and air pollution settle on the beans before processing.
What are the risks from exposure to lead and cadmium?
While heavy metals are harmful for all people, pregnant people and young children are at greater risk for brain development issues. People of all ages who are regularly exposed to lead are at greater risk for nervous systems problems, reproductive issues, kidney damage, immune system suppression and kidney damage.
Why are these products still on the shelf/is there a recall?
FDA has not issued a recall of these products.
Are there any safer alternatives?
Consumer Reports recommends that until the cacao industry takes needed steps to reduce heavy metal contamination, there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure.
Choose a bar with lower levels of heavy metals. Consumer Reports’ reported the dark chocolate bars with the lowest levels of lead and/or cadmium were:
Products with lowest lead and cadmium / UPC
Mast Organic Dark Chocolate 80% Cocoa 07-93573-90658
Taza Chocolate Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa 08-56072-00482
Valrhona Abinao Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa 07-26120-70550
Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate 86% 07-47599-60725
Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight 07-47599-60721
Try chocolates with lower cacao percentages. Since the heavy metal content is present in cocoa solids, lower percentages mean less heavy metal exposure.
Don’t give kids much dark chocolate and limit your intake if you are pregnant or nursing.
Eat a varied diet. Foods that are higher in calcium and iron can offset some of the harmful effects of heavy metals.
If you prefer brands that tested higher in heavy metals, adults can still enjoy them as an occasional treat. The risk comes from frequent consumption over a long period of time.
What other resources can NCG or my co-op provide?
NCG has reached out to all of the implicated brands we, and our co-op members, work with to request a response on company letterhead, including their efforts to address heavy metals in their products and which of their products, if any, have tested below California’s threshold. Co-ops can view responses on the NCG website as they are received and share with customers. (As fo 2/1/23 no responses have been received or posted.)
How can concerned customers take action?
In addition to contacting chocolate companies with their concerns directly, you may wish to contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and specifically ask them to:
Strengthen regulations related to heavy metals and increase testing for heavy metals in our food, including chocolate.
Require manufacturers to report levels of toxic heavy metals on labels.
Express support for federal policies that strengthen environmental regulations prohibiting companies from using processes and products that increase the level of these persistent environmental contaminants (and many others) in our environment and ultimately, our food supply.
Consumers can also consider supporting organizations that assist with environmental clean up and remediation internationally, particularly in chocolate growing regions. Children in chocolate growing regions are exposed to lead directly through polluted soil, water and air.