Who doesn't want a bite of dark chocolate when watching a movie or talking with friends? Most of us love the sweetness of cocoa products, especially for people who find comfort in eating them. However, new research will make you think twice before you consume them next time.
A recent study discovered that nearly half of sampled cocoa products have lead levels above the recommended safe limits, and a third contain excessive cadmium.
Because of this, researchers advise moderation in consuming these products due to the potential health risks.
Persistent Lead Exposure in the U.S.
Despite significant reductions in lead exposure in the U.S., particularly with the removal of lead-infused gasoline and paint, certain areas and products still pose contamination risks, according to Gizmodo. Cocoa products, in particular, have shown a higher likelihood of containing lead and other toxic metals.
Researchers at George Washington University aimed to quantify the extent of this contamination in the United States.
Study Findings on Cocoa Contamination
Over eight years, the researchers collected and analyzed 72 different dark chocolate cocoa products. They tested for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, using safety thresholds established by California's Proposition 65, a law regulating exposure to over 900 substances.
The results revealed that 35% of the products contained excessive cadmium levels, and 42% had unsafe lead levels. Interestingly, organic cocoa products showed a higher risk of contamination compared to non-organic ones.
Safety Thresholds and Health Implications
The findings might not be as alarming as they initially appear. Proposition 65's safety thresholds are more stringent than those used by other organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Only about 3% of the products tested exceeded the FDA's criteria for lead exposure. Overall, the median levels of these metals were low, suggesting that most cocoa products do not contain dangerous amounts of lead or cadmium.
Moderation is Key
The researchers concluded that heavy metal contamination in cocoa products likely poses minimal risk to the average person when consumed in single servings. However, there is no completely safe level of lead exposure, especially for vulnerable populations like young children. Regularly consuming large amounts of these products could potentially expose individuals to harmful levels of lead.
"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," GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences' director of integratie medicine Leigh Frame.
Frame, who is also one of the study's researchers warned people to be cautious in eating chocolate and how much they consume despite the fact that we can't entirely avoid heavy metals in our food.
Ongoing Concerns About Lead in Food
These findings highlight that lead contamination in food remains a concern. Recently, the FDA issued warnings about ground cinnamon products contaminated with lead-the third such alert this year. This ongoing issue underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating toxic metal levels in our food supply to ensure public safety.
While the presence of toxic metals in dark chocolate is concerning, understanding the context of these findings and practicing moderation can help mitigate potential health risks.
To view the researcher, visit Frontiers in Nutrition.
