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Heavy metals found in dark chocolate including Hershey’s and Trader Joe’s

A study has found that dark chocolate may be potentially more dangerous than previously thought. Dark chocolate is often touted as a low-sugar, antioxidant-rich alternative for sweet tooth cravings.

Some kinds of dark chocolate contain potentially dangerous amounts of heavy metals, consumer reports says.

Scientists measured the amount of heavy metals in 28 popular brands of dark chocolate bars and found cadmium and lead in all of them.

Consuming just an ounce of chocolate a day could put an adult over a level for at least one of the metals that could be harmful, CR says.

Long-term exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can lead to a slew of health issues, including developmental problems and brain damage. “There are risks for people of any age,” researcher says. Frequent exposure to lead can lead to nervous system problems, hypertension, immune system suppression, kidney damage and reproductive issues.

Most of the chocolate bars tested contained concerning levels of lead, cadmium or both. Five had relatively low levels of both metals, CR found.

An ounce of Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate contains lead 265% above what California allows.

An ounce of Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao holds 192% more. In an emailed statement, the National Confectioners Association objected to the use of levels set by California.

An ounce of dark chocolate contains 14% less lead and 40% less cadmium than California’s allowable limits, according to researchers at the Council for Responsible Cacao (CR) An ounce of Taza Chocolate Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% Chocolatier held 33% less Cadmium.

Chocolate is rich in flavanols, which are antioxidants linked to improved blood vessel function, reduced inflammation, and lower cholesterol.

Cadmium and lead are found in the outer shell of the cocoa bean and contaminate cocoa beans as they are being processed.

The discovery by Consumer Reports comes after years of litigation over the same issue.

The National Confectioners Association says chocolate is safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats.

Consumer Reports determined the risk for the chocolate tested by using California’s maximum allowable dose level of 0.5 micrograms for lead and 4.1 milligram for cadmium.