USA: New Study Raises Concerns Over Heavy Metal Content in Dark Chocolate

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers has shed light on potential heavy metal contamination in dark chocolate products, sparking discussions about consumer safety and health implications. The research, conducted over an eight-year period from 2014 to 2022, analyzed 72 different dark chocolate products for the presence of lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

The findings revealed that a significant portion of the tested products exceeded the permissible levels set by California’s Proposition 65. Specifically, 43% of the samples contained lead concentrations above the allowed limit, while 35% surpassed the threshold for cadmium. Surprisingly, organic dark chocolate products showed higher levels of metal contamination compared to their non-organic counterparts.

Despite these findings, experts caution against undue alarm. Brian Pavilonis, an associate professor at CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, who was not involved in the study, stated that the levels detected should not be a major concern for average dark chocolate consumers. He emphasized that low levels of heavy metals are common in many everyday foods due to their natural occurrence in soil.

Elad Tako, an associate professor in the department of food science at Cornell University, echoed this sentiment. He explained that harmful effects from these contaminants would only occur with consumption of extremely large quantities of dark chocolate, far beyond normal intake levels.

The study’s co-author, Leigh Frame from George Washington University School of Medicine, stressed the importance of a varied diet in mitigating potential risks. She advised against repetitive consumption of the same foods, as this practice could increase exposure to contaminants and potentially lead to nutritional imbalances.

All experts interviewed agreed on the importance of moderation, recommending a one-ounce serving size for dark chocolate consumption. Frame noted that this portion size aligns with amounts shown to have health benefits in previous studies.

While the research highlights the need for continued monitoring of food products for heavy metal content, it also underscores the overall safety of dark chocolate when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The experts maintain that there’s no need to eliminate dark chocolate from one’s diet entirely, but rather to enjoy it in moderation as part of a diverse nutritional plan.