Dark chocolate has long been praised for its health benefits; however, recent research revealed pollutants such as lead in popular brands. Chocolate from Trader Joe’s and Hu was found to contain both cadmium and lead, according to Consumer Reports.

The nonprofit consumer advocacy organization examined 28 various dark chocolate bars.  They discovered five of the bars had contamination levels so high that an adult may exceed the normal threshold for safety by consuming one ounce of them daily.

The five affected chocolate bars are:

• Theo Organic Pure Dark 70% Cocoa
• Theo Organic Extra Dark Pure Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
• Trader Joe’s The Dark Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate 85% Cacao
• Lily’s Extremely Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
• Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao

What Causes Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate?

A naturally occurring element in the soil is cadmium. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classify it as a cancer-causing agent, and long-term exposure to low levels may increase the risk of kidney disease and weak bones.

Lead exposure is associated with cognitive decline, especially in youngsters since it can cause developmental problems and lower IQ. In adults, it can lead to reproductive disorders, high blood pressure, and neurological abnormalities. Products from Lindt, Dove, and Beyond Good, among others, have high cadmium levels. According to the CDC, exposure over time is connected to renal problems and brittle bones, and the mineral is thought to cause cancer.

The researchers discovered that cadmium in cocoa beans comes from the earth and is transported directly to the beans by the cocoa tree. Lead contamination occurs after harvest when wet cocoa beans are exposed to soil and dust during the drying, fermenting, and transport phases.

Dark chocolate contains more heavy metals than milk chocolate because it contains more cacao, the bean used to manufacture chocolate, which can be tainted either during the growing process or after the beans are plucked. Since there are no regulatory restrictions for lead and cadmium in the majority of foods, the amounts discovered during the testing do not violate any laws, according to Consumer Reports. However, a significant danger of heavy metals is that they can accumulate in the body over time, leading to health problems when repeated, minute dosages mount up.

As You Sow suggests, chocolate manufacturers should look closely at the regions from which they source their ingredients as a solution to the issue. Cleaning and winnowing techniques throughout the drying and fermentation stages will help to reduce lead exposure.

Tips for minimizing health risks associated with dark chocolate

• Select dark chocolate with a lower percentage of cacao– Closer to 70%, since the amount of cacao tends to correlate with an increase in cadmium levels.
• Don’t assume organic is always safer- According to testing, both organic and non-organic products carried similar risks.
• Kids shouldn’t be given dark chocolate- Children are more vulnerable to the risks of heavy metals than adults.
• Consume a healthy diet- You may increase the variety of nutrients in your diet and potentially reduce some of the negative effects that can be caused by heavy metals.
• Keep chocolate as an occasional treat.

Safer Choices if you want to consume dark chocolate:

• Mast Organic Dark Chocolate 80% Cacao
• Taza Chocolate Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao
• Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate 86% Cacao
• Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight 72% Cacao
• Valrhona Abinao Dark Chocolate 85% Cacao