Four companies that make chocolate were urged by non-profit organization Consumer Reports to agree to bring down the percentage of lead and cadmium that are found in the dark chocolate products that they manufacture. The organization has also set a timeline by Valentine's Day to adhere to the demand. This claim was made after the organization tested such products that revealed the presence of the heavy metals at harmful levels in the products.
Consumer Reports stated in letters to Hershey Co, Mondelez International Inc, Theo Chocolate, and Trader Joe's that long-term exposure to the metals can cause nervous system problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage.
It stated that the risk was greater for pregnant women and young children due to the risk of developmental issues. Nearly 55,000 petition signatures accompanied the letters.
Consumer Reports reported last month that 23 of the 28 dark chocolate bars it tested contained potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium, or both for people who consume more than one ounce of chocolate per day.
Two from Theo and one each from Hershey-owned Lily's, Mondelez-owned Green & Black's, and Trader Joe's had elevated levels of both metals.
According to Consumer Reports, many people eat dark chocolate because of its potential health benefits and low sugar content, but "there's nothing healthy about ingesting heavy metals."
There were no comments available on the demand from the chocolate makers.
According to the National Confectioners Association, the California health guidelines used by Consumer Reports and deemed "the most protective available," are "not food safety standards," and chocolate is still safe to eat.
Since Consumer Reports' study, Trader Joe's has been sued at least nine times by customers over its dark chocolate.
Hershey's and Mondelez have also been sued in connection with the magazine's findings, as have other chocolate companies such as Godiva and Lindt.
(Source:www.wionnews.com)
Consumer Reports stated in letters to Hershey Co, Mondelez International Inc, Theo Chocolate, and Trader Joe's that long-term exposure to the metals can cause nervous system problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage.
It stated that the risk was greater for pregnant women and young children due to the risk of developmental issues. Nearly 55,000 petition signatures accompanied the letters.
Consumer Reports reported last month that 23 of the 28 dark chocolate bars it tested contained potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium, or both for people who consume more than one ounce of chocolate per day.
Two from Theo and one each from Hershey-owned Lily's, Mondelez-owned Green & Black's, and Trader Joe's had elevated levels of both metals.
According to Consumer Reports, many people eat dark chocolate because of its potential health benefits and low sugar content, but "there's nothing healthy about ingesting heavy metals."
There were no comments available on the demand from the chocolate makers.
According to the National Confectioners Association, the California health guidelines used by Consumer Reports and deemed "the most protective available," are "not food safety standards," and chocolate is still safe to eat.
Since Consumer Reports' study, Trader Joe's has been sued at least nine times by customers over its dark chocolate.
Hershey's and Mondelez have also been sued in connection with the magazine's findings, as have other chocolate companies such as Godiva and Lindt.
(Source:www.wionnews.com)
