Many chocolate products contain toxic heavy metals, study warns
NY Post
This is a bitter pill to swallow.
Many cocoa products in the US contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study from George Washington University warns.
Researchers analyzed 72 cocoa-based foods — including dark chocolate, often praised as a heart-healthy treat — over eight years. They found that 43% of the products contained an amount of lead that tops recommendations, while 35% exceeded cadmium limits.
Surprisingly, organic-labeled products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. Contamination can come from soil or occur during manufacturing.
A single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might.
“We all love chocolate, but it’s important to indulge with moderation as with other foods that contain heavy metals, including large fish like tuna and unwashed brown rice,” said Leigh Frame, who led the study.