Heart of the Earth Cacao Pre Ground Paste is being recalled for high lead levels, at 0.671 parts per million in cacao (chocolate). According to FDA regulations, foods can only have 0.1 ppm of lead, mostly because small children eat a lot of chocolate and they are most affected by this heavy metal. There is no word on whether or not any illnesses have been reported, since this recall notice was posted on the FDA's Enforcement Reports page. There is no safe level of lead consumption. This metal can cause serious health effects, including lowered IQ and learning disabilities. The product is 100% pure cacao (chocolate) which is not ready for consumption. In most cases it is made into a chocolate drink with hot water using a blender. The recalled product was sold at the retail … [Read more...]
How do Lead and Cadmium Get Into Dark Chocolate?
A report in Consumer Reports in 2022 said they found lead and cadmium in several brands of dark chocolate. These heavy metals can cause serious health problems. So how do lead and cadmium get into dark chocolate? Toxicologist Michael J. DiBartolomeis, PhD, studied how these metals contaminate chocolate. The metals are found in cocoa solids, which are part of the cacao bean. The levels of cocoa solids in dark chocolate are higher than they are in milk chocolate, which is why dark chocolates have more problems with contamination. The heavy metals get into the cacao bean in different ways. Cadmium is usually in the beans already when they are harvested because the plants take up cadmium in the soil, which accumulates in the beans. But lead gets into the beans after they are … [Read more...]
Consumer Reports Finds Lead and Cadmium in Dark Chocolate
Consumer Reports has found high levels of lead and cadmium in some dark chocolate candy brands. A study conducted by As You Sow found that many popular brands contain alarming levels of those heavy metals. Most people believe that dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate. And it may improve heart health. But this information may make some people rethink that assumption. Lead can cause significant health problems, including cancer, and it can reduce IQ and cause learning disabilities in children. Cadmium causes damage to reproductive organs, and can also damage the liver, kidneys, and bones. As You Sow has filed legal notices with more than 20 companies that make these dark chocolate candies, including Hershey's, Trader Joe's, Lindt, Whole Foods, Kroger, Godiva, See's … [Read more...]
Fudgeamentals Chocolate Fudge Bites Recalled For Walnuts
Fudgeamentals Chocolate Fudge Bites are being recalled because they may contain walnuts, or tree nuts, that are not declared on the label. Anyone who is allergic to walnuts or who has a severe sensitive to tree nuts could have a serious reaction if they eat this product. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to the company to date in connection with this issue. The recalling firm is Fudgeamentals of Melville, New York. One lot of the Fudgeamentals Chocolate Fudge Bites are included in this recall. The package may actually contain Chocolate Walnut Fudge Bites. The issue was discovered when one of the store employees discovered that the product containing walnuts was incorrectly labeled as Chocolate Fudge Bites. The candy is in a clear 8 ounce plastic container … [Read more...]
