A recent study conducted by scientists at George Washington University found that many dark chocolate products sold nationwide may contain excessive amounts of heavy metals. The research examined over 70 dark chocolate products from popular retailers and found that 43% of the products exceeded acceptable levels of lead, while 35% exceeded cadmium levels. The study was based on California regulations that set maximum allowable doses of heavy metals in food, as the FDA does not have specific limits for most foods. The researchers estimated the daily exposure to heavy metals from chocolate products and found levels ranging up to 3.316 mcg per daily serving for lead and 14.12 mcg for cadmium.
According to the California guidelines, the threshold for heavy metals in foods is 0.5 micrograms a day. To reduce exposure, it is recommended to limit chocolate consumption, with an ounce serving size being suggested. It is challenging to avoid heavy metals entirely in our diet, as they can be found in various foods such as rice, fish, fruits, and vegetables. While the body can naturally excrete some metals, excessive exposure can lead to accumulation and potential organ damage. Diversity in diet is recommended to minimize exposure to any particular substance by not consuming the same foods daily.
The study deliberately did not disclose which brands had higher concentrations of heavy metals as levels could vary even within the same company. Interestingly, the researchers found that organic cocoa products were more likely to have higher levels of cadmium and lead. Organic certification does not guarantee that products have been checked for exposure to toxic metals. The study raised questions about how heavy metals enter chocolate products, with lead potentially introduced during various stages of the manufacturing process, while cadmium is absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil.
While the FDA does not set limits for cadmium or arsenic, almost all chocolate bars in the study were below its recommended level for lead. The California guidelines tend to be more conservative, with Prop 65 setting standards that are stricter than the FDA recommendations. However, some experts believe that these standards may be too conservative and could lead to unnecessary panic. A separate study conducted by another research team found that levels of heavy metals in chocolate were not concerning for adults according to EPA standards. Regardless, it is advised to limit dark chocolate consumption to one ounce per day, especially for children and pregnant women.
The study did not assess milk chocolate, but it is believed to have lower risk of heavy metal contamination compared to dark chocolate. This is because the metals are thought to come from the cocoa powder itself, which is present in higher quantities in dark chocolate. The presence of heavy metals in food products continues to be a concern, and more research is needed to understand how these contaminants enter the food chain and their potential health impacts. Despite the varying opinions on acceptable levels of heavy metals in food, it is essential for consumers to be aware of these risks and make informed choices about their diet to minimize exposure.
