Health News Update: Popular Chocolate Brands Contain Toxic Lead And Cadmium Substances

Ghirardelli Godiva Hershey whole foods Cadbury endangered species Lindt Ferrero USA Nestlé Whitman's Russel Stover Candies

By Abbie Uychiat , Parent Herald Apr 06, 07:32 am

Chocolate lovers were devastated upon knowing that most of their chocolate bars contain lead and Cadmium substances. Both lead and Cadmium contains chemicals which can potentially harm the individual, most especially the younger consumers.

Some chocolate companies admitted that lead traces can flow through the chocolate as a "naturally occurring element" which can easily be absorbed by the cacao plant, according to CNN. Though it was established that it small amounts cannot result to lethal health conditions, it was mentioned that most chocolates being sold contain more lead than needed.

Lead in #chocolate must be addressed. #Flintwatercrisis is the tip of an iceberg. https://t.co/UCJwUZtALX pic.twitter.com/193mkfcR28

— Austin Wilson (@AustinLWilson_) March 23, 2016

The lead content on the chocolates was first discovered by a California-based consumer advocacy group, As You Sow. They then reported the shocking discovery to CNN. Upon further investigation, it was also discovered that more than half of the chocolate samples does not only contain lead, but it is also contaminated with cadmium. The presence of lead and cadmium that was discovered was above the state's limits in terms of the chemical contents that are not harmful to the body.

Watchdog group warns consumers about lead in popular chocolate brands: https://t.co/MO7cm3n2TG pic.twitter.com/ogDFA7suWB — CBS 13 News (@WGME) March 24, 2016

"No level of lead is safe for children. Lead exposure has been a significant public health issue for decades. Lead is linked to a variety of neurological impairments, including learning disabilities, seizures, and a lower IQ. Developing fetuses and children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because their brains are in critical growth and development stages."

As a result of As You Sow's investigation, the group called out chocolate companies including Ghirardelli, Godiva, Hershey, Whole Foods, Cadbury, Endangered Species and Lindt to admit the presence of lead and cadmium in their products. The group also urged them to include the chemical components on their food labels.

Though most popular brands were contaminated, As You Sow also acknowledged the chocolate companies that were free from lead and cadmium. The chocolates manufactured by Ferrero USA, Nestle, Whitman's, and Russel Stover Candies are said to be clear from any chemical leaks.