A recent study conducted by scientists at George Washington University found that a significant number of dark chocolate products sold nationwide contain excessive amounts of heavy metals. Over 70 dark chocolate products from retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Amazon, and GNC were tested for lead, cadmium, and arsenic. The study found that 43% of the products exceeded acceptable levels of lead and 35% exceeded cadmium levels based on California’s Prop 65 regulations, which set maximum allowable dose levels for heavy metals in food.
The study recommended limiting consumption of dark chocolate to reduce exposure to heavy metals. The researchers emphasized that avoiding heavy metals entirely in the diet is nearly impossible, as many foods contain varying amounts of these metals. It is important to have a diverse diet to avoid excessive exposure to any particular substance. The study found that organic cocoa products were more likely to have higher levels of cadmium and lead, indicating that the organic label does not guarantee lower metal content.
The study did not determine how the heavy metals entered the chocolate products, but previous research suggests that lead and cadmium can come from various sources including soil, farming practices, and manufacturing processes. While the FDA does not set limits for cadmium or arsenic, the study found that almost all chocolate bars tested were below the FDA’s recommended levels for lead.
Another study by Tulane University suggested that the Prop 65 standards may be too conservative, causing unnecessary panic, and recommended consuming no more than an ounce of dark chocolate per day. Milk chocolate may have a lower risk of heavy metal contamination compared to dark chocolate due to lower levels of cocoa powder.
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