Heavy Metal in Most Chocolates May Not Pose Health Risk: Researchers

London: Concentrations of heavy metals found in single servings of some chocolates and cocoa-based products are generally too low to pose a health risk to consumers, according to new research published in the journal Frontiers. The study, conducted by researchers at the George Washington University School of Medicine and ConsumerLab.com, analyzed 72 cocoa-containing products for potential contamination with heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

The researchers found that 70 out of the 72 products tested fell below the limits set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lead contamination. This suggests that these products may not pose a significant health risk when consumed in single servings, which is typically about 1 oz to 2 oz (30 gm to 60 gm) of chocolate.

The findings address previous concerns raised by consumer groups and independent test agencies about heavy metal contamination in cocoa products. Possible causes of contamination include the type of soil where cocoa is grown and industrial processing methods.

However, the study also noted that consuming larger portions of these products more frequently could exceed the strict limits set by California's Proposition 65 (Prop 65) legislation. Prop 65 sets stringent limits on contamination for heavy metals, making it a useful benchmark for the study.

"If most people consume contaminated products in small amounts and infrequently, these contaminants may not pose a public health concern," the paper indicated. "However, if numerous such products are consumed fairly regularly by the average consumer, the cumulative exposure may become a public health issue."

The long-running research examined four different cohorts of cocoa-containing products in 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2022. The researchers found that median concentrations of each metal tested were lower than even the conservative Prop 65 limits. However, they cautioned that consuming multiple products or servings per day could lead to cumulative exposure exceeding these limits.

The researchers emphasized the need for more testing of consumer products to ensure safety. They also highlighted the importance of using comprehensive regulations like Prop 65, which provide stricter guidelines than the FDA for multiple heavy metals.

The study's findings provide some reassurance for chocolate lovers, suggesting that moderate consumption of cocoa products is unlikely to pose a significant health risk. However, it also underscores the importance of continued monitoring and regulation to protect consumers from potential contamination.