RE: Risky heavy metals in dark chocolate

[Consumer Reports]   Dear Friend, I wanted to make sure you saw the investigation we released right before the holidays into dark chocolate: Consumer Reports found high levels of lead and cadmium in five dark chocolate bars we tested — heavy metals that have been linked to a host of health problems in children and adults. We’re petitioning the makers of these chocolate bars to reduce these dangerous heavy metals in their products. You can help by adding your name alongside tens of thousands of other consumers by [signing our petition now]( [Sign the Petition](  This is important information, because dark chocolate is often considered a ‘healthy’ indulgence. Help us spread the word by [sharing our findings on dark chocolate brands]( and urging all the chocolate lovers you know to [sign our petition.]( Thanks again, Meg Bohne Consumer Reports --------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Friend, Dark chocolate is considered a ‘healthy’ indulgence, with its rich supply of antioxidants and relatively low sugar levels. But Consumer Reports testing has discovered a dark side to dark chocolate: worrisome levels of lead or cadmium that have been linked to a host of health problems in children and adults. Of the 28 chocolate bars we tested, five had high levels of both of these heavy metals: Trader Joe’s, Lily (owned by Hershey’s), Green and Black’s (owned by Mondelez), and two bars by Theo. This is risky stuff – consistent, long-term exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can harm your health. But there’s good news for chocolate lovers. Some bars tested had relatively low levels of these metals. Which means candy makers can make their chocolate safer! [Join us in calling on Trader Joe’s, Hershey’s, Mondelez, and Theo to take steps now to reduce these dangerous heavy metals in their products.]( [Sign the Petition](  These five dark chocolate bars tested high in both lead and cadmium. Currently there are no federal standards for heavy metals in most foods. But Consumer Reports has been advocating for heavy metal limits in all the foods we eat, because consistent exposure in those who are pregnant and young children can affect brain development and lead to lower IQ levels. For adults, the risks include nervous system problems, hypertension, immune system suppression, kidney damage, and reproductive issues. In its analysis, CR used California’s strict standards for heavy metals as a benchmark, and five chocolate bars we tested came in under those limits. That means companies with high levels in their chocolate should be able to reduce the risk – but they need to hear from consumers like you who expect safer products! Everyone should be able to enjoy dark chocolate without the worry. [Please sign our petition and share it with all the chocolate lovers you know.]( If we all speak out together, we can pressure companies to take the needed steps to reduce the health risk! Thank you, and happy holidays! Meg Bohne Consumer Reports [Unsubscribe from Consumer Reports action alerts.]( © 2022 Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY, 10703 [Contact Consumer Reports](