Hidden dangers: Cocoa products found to be contaminated with high levels of cadmium and lead

By hrseditor // 2024-12-15

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A recent study found that 43 percent of 72 dark chocolate products tested between 2014–2022 exceeded the maximum allowable lead levels, while 35 percent exceeded cadmium limits under California’s Proposition 65.
Heavy metals naturally occur in soil where cocoa plants are grown and can accumulate in cacao beans during cultivation. Organic dark chocolate, often marketed as healthier, was found to have some of the highest contamination levels, raising concerns about organic farming practices.
Children, pregnant women and regular chocolate consumers are most at risk due to higher absorption rates and cumulative exposure to heavy metals.
The chocolate industry maintains that their products are safe, but the study highlights the need for stricter testing and transparency.
Consumers can protect themselves by choosing products with low heavy metal content, practicing moderation and advocating for stronger regulations and safer sourcing practices.

Dark chocolate has long been celebrated for its rich flavor and potential health benefits. Packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, it is often touted as a superfood that can support overall well-being. But a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition has revealed a troubling side to dark chocolate: Many store-bought brands are contaminated with heavy metals like lead and cadmium. (h/t to Edition.CNN.com) Heavy metals are toxic substances that pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women and those with compromised health. The findings raise urgent questions about the safety of chocolate products and the importance of sourcing them from trustworthy suppliers.

Heavy metals found in dark chocolate

Consumer Labs, a nonprofit that publishes test results on food products, contracted two independent commercial laboratories in the U.S. to analyze 72 dark chocolate products over an eight-year period (2014–2022). The testing focused on pure dark chocolate because it contains the highest amount of cacao, the raw unprocessed part of the cacao bean. Test results revealed that 43 percent of the products exceeded the maximum allowable concentration for lead set by California's Proposition 65, while 35 percent exceeded the limits for cadmium. Proposition 65 is a state-specific law whose limits are lower than those established by the federal government. Lead and cadmium are neurotoxic heavy metals that have also been linked to cancer, reproductive issues and developmental harm in children. Lead, in particular, is notorious for its ability to impair brain development, leading to reduced IQ, behavioral changes and long-term cognitive deficits. Cadmium, on the other hand, is a probable human carcinogen that targets the kidneys, cardiovascular system and other vital organs. The presence of lead and cadmium in chocolate products is not entirely surprising because these metals are naturally occurring elements in the Earth’s crust. They can be found in the soil where cocoa plants are grown, and they can accumulate in cacao beans during cultivation. However, the study suggests that certain factors exacerbate this problem. For instance, overuse of metal-containing fertilizers and industrial pollution can increase soil contamination, leading to higher concentrations of these heavy metals in food crops. Interestingly, organic dark chocolate products, which are supposed to be healthier and cleaner than regular products, were found to have some of the highest levels of heavy metals, raising concerns about whether organic farming practices are adequately addressing the issue of heavy metal exposure. While the study did not pinpoint the exact sources of contamination, it suggested that cadmium may originate from the soil while lead could be introduced during processing, drying or packaging of cocoa products. (Related: Clean food watch: Does your protein powder contain heavy metals?) Despite the chocolate industry's insistence that their products are safe, consumers need to advocate for stronger regulations and more rigorous testing. Demanding transparency from manufacturers and supporting brands that prioritize safety can help drive positive change.

Where to find clean, lab-verified cocoa products

Some chocolate brands have managed to produce products with lower levels of lead and cadmium. For instance, testing conducted by Consumer Reports in 2022 found five chocolates from four commercial chocolate brands – one each from Mast, Taza and Valrhona, and two from Ghirardelli – contained relatively low levels of lead and cadmium. This means that safe-to-consume chocolates and other cocoa products exist on the market – consumers only need to be discerning and know which brands can be trusted. Some health food stores, like the Health Ranger Store, also offer products that are laboratory verified for cleanliness and purity, and thoroughly tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. If you're looking for clean, lab-verified cocoa products, the Health Ranger Store is offering Organic Cocoa Energize and the Superfood Hot Cocoa Recipe Kit. Specially formulated to support optimal health and healthy energy levels, Groovy Bee® Organic Cocoa Energize is a nutritious and delicious powder blend that offers the wholesome goodness of organic cocoa powder, organic maca root powder and seven organic functional mushroom powders. This premium product is loaded with antioxidants and slightly sweetened with low-glycemic organic coconut sugar, one of the best sugar substitutes on the planet. Groovy Bee® Organic Cocoa Energize is non-GMO, plant-based and certified Kosher and organic. It is also extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. Imagine a cup of hot cocoa that not only comforts but also energizes, nourishes and satisfies your sweet tooth cravings. The Health Ranger Store's Superfood Hot Cocoa Recipe Kit is not your everyday cocoa; it is a superfood powerhouse. Perfect for mornings when you need a quick pick-me-up or afternoons when you want a mindful break, this recipe delivers a creamy, delicious cup of wholesome goodness with every sip. The Superfood Hot Cocoa Recipe Kit includes:

1 x Organic Cocoa Energize 12 oz (340 g)
1 x Organic Non-Fat Milk Powder 12 oz (340 g)
1 x Collagen Peptide Chocolate Coconut Drink Mix 8oz (227g)

An excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients, Groovy Bee® Collagen Peptide Chocolate Coconut Milk Drink Mix provides the combined nutritional benefits of lab-verified bovine collagen, coconut milk powder, cocoa powder, monk fruit extract and pink Himalayan salt in one convenient powder blend. For a delicious nutrient-dense beverage, simply add this blend to your favorite smoothie recipe. It can also be easily added to your favorite shakes, juices, teas, coffees and other beverages.

Superfood Hot Cocoa recipe

Ingredients:

8 oz hot water
2 Tbsp. Groovy Bee® Organic Cocoa Energize
2 Tbsp. Groovy Bee® Collagen Peptide Chocolate Coconut Drink Mix
1 Tbsp. Groovy Bee® Organic Non-Fat Milk Powder

Directions:

Carefully blend all the ingredients together in a heat-proof cup. Serve warm.

Note: The milk powder blends better in cold water, so you may want to make the milk (equal parts powder and water) separately and add it to the hot beverage. Visit FoodSupply.news for more on products with known contaminants like heavy metals. Also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies for your prepping stockpile. Watch the video below to learn more about the health-supporting benefits of Organic Cocoa Powder. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

CITIZENS NEWS

Heavy metals found in dark chocolate

Where to find clean, lab-verified cocoa products

Superfood Hot Cocoa recipe

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