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Researchers have found that in the United States, several dark chocolate products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two highly toxic metals. The study was led by scientists at George Washington University and published Wednesday (Jul 31) in the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition.&nbsp;

Researchers have analysed over 70 dark chocolate products from retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Amazon and GNC. They tested the products in order to check whether or not heavy metals lead, cadmium or arsenic were present in them. None were tested above the maximum contamination level.&nbsp;

The study was carried out using samples over a period of eight years from 2014 to 2022. Notably, the researchers have not disclosed product names.&nbsp;

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The study discovered that 43 per cent of the goods tested had levels of lead contamination that were above permitted standards, and 35 per cent had levels of cadmium contamination as per California law's permissible limits for heavy metals in food.&nbsp;

"The amount of lead that was found, in general, was not alarming. But most people probably don't have a great handle on what their heavy metal exposure is," Leigh Frame, the co-lead author of the study and the executive director of the office of integrative medicine and health at George Washington University.&nbsp;

Frame noted that food researchers often use the 1986 regulations as a safety standard because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)&nbsp;doesn't set limits on heavy metals in most foods. Notably, the FDA&nbsp;does have suggested limits for chocolate and sugar-based candy but only for children.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/parasites-found-in-cat-poop-could-help-treat-alzheimers-and-parkinsons-study-745639">Parasites found in cat poop could help treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: Study</a>&nbsp;

The threshold for heavy metals in foods is 0.5 micrograms a day as per California guidelines. Researchers have found that the levels of lead and cadmium in chocolate samples varied from 0.29 to 14.12 microgrammes per daily serving, with 4.1 microgrammes per day being the maximum permitted.&nbsp;

The study revealed that lead levels in the samples ranged from none to as high as 3.316 microgrammes per daily serving, with 0.5 microgrammes per day as the maximum allowed per California guidelines.&nbsp;

The researchers also discovered that the levels of contamination in organic items were higher, but they were unable to ascertain how the metal contaminations entered the chocolate products.&nbsp;

Frame said, "You actually cannot avoid exposure to heavy metals in the diet. It's really not about avoiding them; it's about making sure you're not getting too much."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers have found that in the United States, several dark chocolate products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two highly toxic metals. The study was led by scientists at George Washington University and published Wednesday (Jul 31) in the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition.

Researchers have found that in the United States, several dark chocolate products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two highly toxic metals. The study was led by scientists at George Washington University and published Wednesday (Jul 31) in the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition. Researchers have analysed over 70 dark chocolate products from retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Amazon and GNC. They tested the products in order to check whether or not heavy metals lead, cadmium or arsenic were present in them. None were tested above the maximum contamination level. The study was carried out using samples over a period of eight years from 2014 to 2022. Notably, the researchers have not disclosed product names. Also read: Study shows 'strong links' between losing loved ones and biological ageing The study discovered that 43 per cent of the goods tested had levels of lead contamination that were above permitted standards, and 35 per cent had levels of cadmium contamination as per California law's permissible limits for heavy metals in food. "The amount of lead that was found, in general, was not alarming. But most people probably don't have a great handle on what their heavy metal exposure is," Leigh Frame, the co-lead author of the study and the executive director of the office of integrative medicine and health at George Washington University. Frame noted that food researchers often use the 1986 regulations as a safety standard because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't set limits on heavy metals in most foods. Notably, the FDA does have suggested limits for chocolate and sugar-based candy but only for children. Also read: Parasites found in cat poop could help treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: Study The threshold for heavy metals in foods is 0.5 micrograms a day as per California guidelines. Researchers have found that the levels of lead and cadmium in chocolate samples varied from 0.29 to 14.12 microgrammes per daily serving, with 4.1 microgrammes per day being the maximum permitted. The study revealed that lead levels in the samples ranged from none to as high as 3.316 microgrammes per daily serving, with 0.5 microgrammes per day as the maximum allowed per California guidelines. The researchers also discovered that the levels of contamination in organic items were higher, but they were unable to ascertain how the metal contaminations entered the chocolate products. Frame said, "You actually cannot avoid exposure to heavy metals in the diet. It's really not about avoiding them; it's about making sure you're not getting too much." (With inputs from agencies)

Lead among other heavy metals found in many dark chocolate bars: Research

Consumer Reports, an American non-profit consumer organisation, says dark chocolates are not really a healthier choice.

Many consumers eat dark chocolate because of its potential health benefits and relatively low sugar content, but there is "nothing healthy" about eating heavy metals, according to consumer reports.

Chocolate makers have been urged to reduce harmful metals in their dark chocolate offerings after testing reveals high levels of exposure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-the-chocolaty-secret-to-chocolates-sweetness-552453">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists find the chocolaty secret to chocolate's sweetness</a>

Consumer Reports have appealed to four chocolate brands to commit by valentine's day to reduce lead and cadmium amounts from their dark chocolate products after conducting a series of tests.

In a letter addressed to Hershey's, Mondelez International, Theo Chocolate and Trader's Joe, Consumer Reports said long-term exposure to the metals might cause harm, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and immune system suppression, among other health complications.

These products can pose a great danger to pregnant women's and young children's well-being, especially due to the risk of developmental problems. The letters, accompanied by 55,000 petition signatures, aim to pressure chocolate manufacturers.

Consumer Reports from last month said that 23 of the 28 dark chocolate bars it tested contained dangerous amounts of lead, cadmium, or both, which could be dangerous, especially for those with more than one ounce of chocolate daily.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hershey-co-facing-lawsuit-over-harmful-metals-found-in-chocolate-bars-547974">Also read |&nbsp;Hershey Co facing lawsuit over harmful metals found in chocolate bars</a>

A further breakdown of those previous reports showed five chocolate brands had high levels of both metals. Two from Theo, one from Trader Joe's, Lily's, owned by Hershey's, and Green &amp; Black's, owned by Mondelez.

Consumer Reports remain concerned about the effect of the addition of such harmful substances. While Hershey's, Mondelez, Godiva and Lindt did not respond to a Reuters request for comments, they have all been sued previously over those findings.

But a trade group, the National Confectioners Association, said the recommendations, which Consumer Reports followed and thought were "the most protective available," are "not food safety requirements" and that chocolates are still safe to eat.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Consumer Reports, an American non-profit consumer organisation, says dark chocolates are not really a healthier choice. Many consumers eat dark chocolate because of its potential health benefits and relatively low sugar content, but there is "nothing healthy" about eating heavy metals, according to consumer reports.

Consumer Reports, an American non-profit consumer organisation, says dark chocolates are not really a healthier choice. Many consumers eat dark chocolate because of its potential health benefits and relatively low sugar content, but there is "nothing healthy" about eating heavy metals, according to consumer reports. Chocolate makers have been urged to reduce harmful metals in their dark chocolate offerings after testing reveals high levels of exposure. Also read | Scientists find the chocolaty secret to chocolate's sweetness Consumer Reports have appealed to four chocolate brands to commit by valentine's day to reduce lead and cadmium amounts from their dark chocolate products after conducting a series of tests. In a letter addressed to Hershey's, Mondelez International, Theo Chocolate and Trader's Joe, Consumer Reports said long-term exposure to the metals might cause harm, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and immune system suppression, among other health complications. These products can pose a great danger to pregnant women's and young children's well-being, especially due to the risk of developmental problems. The letters, accompanied by 55,000 petition signatures, aim to pressure chocolate manufacturers. Consumer Reports from last month said that 23 of the 28 dark chocolate bars it tested contained dangerous amounts of lead, cadmium, or both, which could be dangerous, especially for those with more than one ounce of chocolate daily. Also read | Hershey Co facing lawsuit over harmful metals found in chocolate bars A further breakdown of those previous reports showed five chocolate brands had high levels of both metals. Two from Theo, one from Trader Joe's, Lily's, owned by Hershey's, and Green & Black's, owned by Mondelez. Consumer Reports remain concerned about the effect of the addition of such harmful substances. While Hershey's, Mondelez, Godiva and Lindt did not respond to a Reuters request for comments, they have all been sued previously over those findings. But a trade group, the National Confectioners Association, said the recommendations, which Consumer Reports followed and thought were "the most protective available," are "not food safety requirements" and that chocolates are still safe to eat. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Are dark chocolates really a healthier choice?

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