(Updated: 3rd August, 2024)
Summary:
The recent study highlighted in a Gizmodo article, reveals concerning levels of lead and cadmium in nearly half of the cocoa products tested. Specifically, 42 percent of these products contained lead levels exceeding the study's strict safety thresholds, while 35 percent contained too much cadmium. Interestingly, organic cocoa products were more likely to be contaminated with these metals compared to non-organic ones.
However, it is important to note that the safety thresholds used in this study are more stringent than those set by the FDA. In fact, only about three percent of the products tested exceeded the FDA's criteria for lead exposure. The average levels of these metals in all products were very low. This suggests that the risk of heavy metal contamination might not be as big for the average consumer if cocoa products were eaten in moderation.
The amount of lead present in chocolate is negligible and does not appear during testing, unlike other sources. Therefore, there is no need to worry and you can freely enjoy your chocolate.
Gary:
During my many years of experience in testing for toxic elements, and thousands of tests, I have never seen a case of lead toxicity from chocolate consumption. While the study raises valid concerns, the actual risk to public health may be overstated, especially when compared to more pressing issues like lead contamination from old municipal water pipes.
Here is a useful guide for homeowners for identifying pipes that have lead, but not for the pipes that supply water to homes:
Like many countries, New Zealand has a BIG problem with old city water pipes, such as in Dunedin, that have lead. These old pipes are leaching lead into the water that goes into some people's homes, and we sometimes see the contamination in the hair tissue tests.
Sometimes I wonder why we get articles like these, which make people worry when there is no real need, while the big and real health problems of old water pipes are mostly ignored. Are we being distracted by "Research Red Herrings"?
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