GREENSBORO, N.C. — Generic Halloween candy is just fine. However, Consumer Reports has made headlines in the past for finding toxic metals in dark chocolate bars.
CR is now back at the test, expanding the test to 48 additional products in seven categories: dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mixes, and brownie and cake mixes.
Although there are no federal limits on the amount of lead and cadmium in most foods, some states have their own limits for certain foods.
“CR scientists used California standard levels to measure the heavy metal content in chocolate to provide an independent assessment for consumers,” said Consumer Reports food safety scientist James. Mr. Rogers said.
Chocolate products tested to have higher lead and cadmium content
2 chocolate chips: Target Brands Good & Gather Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip & Hu Dark Chocolate Gem
2 pieces of cocoa powder: Hershey’s Cocoa Natural Unsweetened 100% Cacao, Droste Cacao Powder
1 brownie mix: Ghirardelli Premium Brownie Mix Double Chocolate
2 types of cake mix: Simple Mills Almond Flour Baking Mix – Chocolate Muffins & Cakes, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix
4 types of hot chocolate mix: Trader Joe’s Organic Hot Cocoa Mix, Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classic, Great Value (Walmart) Milk Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa Mix, Nestlé Rich Milk Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa Mix
“This doesn’t mean you have to give up chocolate cold turkey, but as with anything in life, moderation is key. Chocolate should be consumed as an occasional treat,” says Rogers. Told.
Consumer Reports asked the Food and Drug Administration if it plans to impose limits on lead and cadmium in chocolate. The agency did not respond.