The global popularity of organic chocolates has surged in recent years as consumers increasingly seek out products that are both environmentally friendly and health-conscious. Driven by a growing awareness of sustainable practices and a desire for cleaner ingredients, organic chocolates have carved out a significant niche in the market.
However, while organic chocolates are often marketed as healthier and more eco-friendly, recent studies have raised concerns about the presence of toxic heavy metals in these products, highlighting the need for vigilance in both consumer choices and industry standards.
Neurotoxic Metals in Chocolates
According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, dark chocolate and other cocoa products have been found to be contaminated with lead and cadmium – two neurotoxic metals that have been found to cause cancer, chronic diseases, reproductive and developmental issues.
The study examined lead, cadmium, and arsenic levels in 72 cocoa-containing products for over 8 years and discovered that none of the products contained more than the maximum allowable dose levels of arsenic.
However, 43% of the products surpassed the maximum allowable limits for lead, while 35% exceeded the permissible levels for cadmium.
High Amount of Lead and Cadmium
The research focused on metal contamination in cocoa-containing consumer products. Ongoing studies aim to determine safe levels of specific metals for human consumption.
Key references include the interim reference level (IRL) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), also known as the maximum allowable intake, and the California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) maximum allowable dose levels (MADLs), which provide guidance on harmful substance levels.
For this analysis, researchers examined seventy-two cocoa-containing products. Using Prop 65 MADLs for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, researchers found that all products exceeded the MADL for lead and cadmium on average. However, no products surpassed the MADL for arsenic. Specifically, 43% of products had lead levels above the Prop 65 MADL, and 35% had cadmium levels exceeding the MADL. Additionally, products labelled as organic were more likely to have higher levels of lead and cadmium.
Cocoa Consumption and Toxic Metal Exposure
While the results are concerning, researchers noted that over 97% of products were below the FDA interim reference level for lead. Additionally, the median concentrations of metals were lower than the Prop 65 MADL levels.
The researchers suggested that outliers might have significantly influenced the findings and believe that a single serving of most products is safe for most consumers. However, consuming multiple servings daily or combining them with other heavy metal-containing foods could lead to exceeding the Prop 65 MADLs.
They also observed that products from later years (2016, 2019, and 2022) generally had lower metal concentrations compared to those from 2014.
Should You Be Worried About Your Chocolate?
Does this mean everyone should throw out their chocolate? Not necessarily. However, the study authors suggest that the findings could indicate a need for stricter regulation in this area.
The data also underscored that even organic and other high-quality products may carry the risk of metal contamination, highlighting the importance of awareness.
“The findings of this study highlighted that ‘higher-quality’ products not having any effect on the amount of metals found. In some cases, organic actually had higher metals. The general public steadfastly believes that non-GMO, organic, or fair-trade on the label always means healthier, and this is a great example how that is not at all the case,” explained Karen Z. Berg, Registered dietician nutritionist, who was not involved in the current research.
The results primarily point to caution for certain groups like young children and how the results point to the need for dietary variation. Eating or drinking items that have a high level of heavy metals can lead to heavy metal poisoning which can be quite serious. Small amounts of heavy metals, like what is found in cocoa, rice and rice-based products, tea and some sources of water are usually not dangerous for the general population.
Heavy metal is found in many foods that come from the ground since it is often from the soil and hence a good reason to eat a varied diet so that you don’t get too much of one food that could potentially have more heavy metals than others. Babies, children and expectant mothers should be more careful about where their food and water comes from to avoid unnecessary exposure to heavy metals, since they impose more of a risk for them.
It is also essential to balance the potential metal contamination concerns with the possible health benefits of dark chocolate, such as improved cardiovascular health or increased insulin sensitivity.