Heavy metals found in more chocolate, Consumer Reports finds

A new investigation found heavy metals in more chocolate products than were previously tested.

Last year Consumer Reports’ scientific food testing made headlines. Most of the samples of 28 dark chocolate bars it tested contained concerning levels of cadmium or lead, both toxic heavy metals.

Now Consumer Reports is at it again, expanding its tests to 48 additional products in seven categories: dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mixes and brownie and cake mixes.

As expected, dark chocolates tended to have higher levels of heavy metals than milk chocolate. But every product tested had detectable amounts of lead and cadmium.

There are no federal limits for the amount of lead and cadmium most foods can contain, but one state does set its own limits on certain foods.

Consumer Reports scientists used California’s standard when measuring heavy metal content in chocolate to make assessments for consumers.

Of the seven dark chocolate bars tested, five were above the California limit for levels of lead, cadmium or both.

The Evolved Signature Dark 72% Cacao Chocolate Bar was high in both heavy metals.

Evolved Chocolate told Consumer Reports it regularly tests raw materials and finished goods to ensure compliance and, ultimately, consumer safety.

None of the milk chocolate bars tested were over the California limit for either heavy metal.

Two chocolate chips, two cocoa powders, one brownie mix and two cake mixes came back with lead levels over California’s limit.