The group said both lead and cadmium can stay in a person’s system for years. Not only that, but chronic cadmium exposure has been linked to kidney, liver and bone damage.
As You Sow said lead, which is found in some chocolate, is dangerous for kids. Andrew Behar, the CEO of the group, said there is no safe limit of lead for kids. He said exposure can lead to neurological damage and loss of IQ.
As You Sow tested dozens of chocolates this years, and 35 out of 50 tested positive for illegal levels of either lead or cadmium or both. Behar said they assumed companies were testing their products for lead and cadmium before their products hit the market, but apparently they’re not.
Some of the brands of chocolates that made the list included See’s and Ghirardelli. Trader Joe’s had a few products on the list. Other brands that made the list included Mars, Whole Foods, Hershey’s, Lindt and Godiva.
As You Sow confronted the companies on the list with their findings and two companies asked to work with them to address the problem. The other companies denied doing anything wrong.
The National Confectioner Association said consumers can rest assure that their industry adheres to all regulations that the government has in place and their products are safe.
