Does Dark Chocolate Contain Heavy Metals?

Thanks to its rich supply of antioxidants, dark chocolate has long been revered for its health benefits. But there’s a dark side to dark chocolate: Recent research found that many of our favorite brands of dark chocolate contain heavy metals. The worst part? These heavy metals – cadmium and lead – are linked to serious health problems including cancer in both children and adults.

Today we round out Chocolate Week with a bang: Dr. Jim Rogers from Consumer Reports discusses what heavy metals in the cacao supply means for regular consumers; he also offers his best tips for shopping smarter and safer the next time we’re in the chocolate aisle.

Here’s a preview:

[2:00] Everything you need to know about cadmium and lead

[6:00] Exactly how heavy metals find their ways into the chocolate supply

[11:30] Traceability, trust, and responsibility: Addressing the industry’s lack of corporate accountability

[18:00] Chocolate’s best offenders, worst offenders, and every brand in between

[20:00] Does ‘organic’ matter with regard to heavy metals?

[22:00] Action steps for concerned chocolate consumers

Resources mentioned:

• Lead and Cadmium Could Be in Your Dark Chocolate (via Consumer Reports)
• Sign the petition and tell candy makers to educe risky heavy metals
• How Ethical Is Your Chocolate? Listen to Part 1 of Chocolate Week here

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