Consumer Reports: Alarming Levels of Heavy Metals Found in Chocolate Products

Consumer Reports found "concerning" levels of lead or cadmium in a third of the chocolate products it tested, including cocoa powder and brownie mixes. The advocacy group called on Hershey Co. to reduce the levels of toxic metals in its chocolate, stating that other brands have successfully produced safer chocolate products. Long-term exposure to heavy metals can lead to health problems, particularly in young children. The industry as a whole needs to address how to reduce heavy metals in chocolate.