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Can you imagine paying almost 30 reais for 100 grams of chocolate and it contains toxic metals that can result in lung, cognitive problems and even cancer? Scientists raise alert for several famous brands in scientific magazine

Written by Roberta Souza
Published 20/12/2022 às 22:32
Updated 21/12/2022 às 21:00
scientist - chocolate- metals
Source: iStock image reproduction

Scientists show brands that have high levels of toxic metals in their chocolates in a new article published

Imagine the following situation: you buy chocolate from a “famous” brand and then discover that this chocolate had high levels of toxic metals. That's exactly what happened to several people, according to a new article published in the scientific journal Consumer Reports, made by some scientists. The article brings an alert that says that there are fragments of heavy and toxic metals in chocolates from famous brands such as Hershey's and Lindt, according to the Canaltech website.

In the analysis made by the scientists, were seen 28 bars of dark chocolate and all of them contain a natural element called cadmium, which is usually present in the soil and seeps into the cocoa beans. Another material found in the analyzed chocolates was lead, which probably enters the cocoa soon after the beans are harvested.

According to the scientists' warning, consuming these elements with toxic metals can result in lung and cognitive problems, cancer and even early death.

Long-term consumption of toxic metals

The scientists' biggest concern is the clients' long-term exposure to toxic metals. Lead, for example, can trigger memory loss, high blood pressure, abdominal pain and mood swings.

In children, the impacts can be even more negative, causing brain damage and to the central nervous system, leading to learning and behavior problems.

According to the study, if a person consumed just 30 grams per day of 23 of the analyzed bars, this would already lead to exposure at a level considered harmful by public health authorities.

Chocolates with a high cadmium and lead content (toxic metals)

  • Beyond Good Organic Pure Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Beyond Good Organic Pure Dark Chocolate 80% Cocoa
  • Equal Exchange Organic Extra Dark Chocolate 80% Cocoa
  • Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Scharffen Berger Extra Dark Chocolate 82% Cocoa
  • Organic Dark Chocolate Alter Eco Classic Blackout 85% Cocoa
  • Pascha Organic Very Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
  • Dove Promises Deeper Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Godiva Signature Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa
  • Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
  • Endangered Species Bold + Silky Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa
  • Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa
  • Hu Organic Plain Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Chocolove Extreme Dark Chocolate 88% Cocoa
  • Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate

Chocolates with better safety

After publishing the study, it is also worth showing the chocolates that are “free” of toxic metals in order to give customers options. See below:

  • Mast Organic Dark Chocolate 80% Cocoa
  • Taza Organic Chocolate Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
  • Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
  • Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight 72% Cocoa
  • Valrhona Abinao Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa

Roberta Souza

Petroleum Engineer, postgraduate in Commissioning of Industrial Units, specialist in Industrial Corrosion. Get in touch to suggest an agenda, advertise job vacancies or advertise on our portal. We do not receive resumes

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