If one thinks that having a piece of dark chocolate is the healthiest option, they are mistaken as a recent Consumer Report (CR) study showed that these chocolate bars may actually expose their consumers to harmful chemicals such as lead and cadmium.
According to the American “CNBC” network and the translation of “Lebanon 24”, “This study tested 28 pieces of dark chocolate, which is usually recommended due to its heart-healthy benefits, to measure levels of heavy metals. This study concluded that lead and cadmium were present in all products. And in Here are five brands whose products contain high levels of lead and cadmium:
1 – Trader Joe’s: A Dark Chocolate bar that’s 72 percent cocoa (192 percent of the maximum allowed dose of lead). and The Dark Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate bar, which is 85 percent cocoa (127% of the maximum allowable dose for lead and 229% of the maximum allowable dose for cadmium).
2 – Hershey’s: Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate bar (265% of the maximum allowed lead dose).
3 – Lindt: Excellence Dark Chocolate bar made from 85 percent cocoa (166 percent of the maximum allowable dose of lead). and the Excellence Dark Chocolate bar consisting of 70 percent cocoa (116 percent of the maximum allowable dose for cadmium).
4 – Godiva: Signature Dark Chocolate bar made of 72 percent cocoa (146 percent of the maximum allowed dose of lead).
5 – Dove: Promises Deeper Dark Chocolate bar made of 70 percent cocoa (112% of the maximum allowed dose of cadmium).
According to the network, “Low-level exposure to lead can have severe effects on children’s cognitive abilities, according to Dr. Fred Henretig, a senior toxicologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Exposure to high levels of lead may cause weakness, anemia, and kidney or brain damage, affecting children.” more than adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.In addition, “when ingested, large amounts of cadmium can severely irritate the stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea,” the agency says.