NCA responds to consumer studies questioning safety of dark chocolate
The US-based National Confectioners Association (NCA) has moved to reassure consumers that dark chocolate remains safe to eat, in response to a Consumer Reports article asserting that elevated levels of cadmium were present in some ranges, writes Neill Barston.
As the publication asserted in its original piece from last year, manufacturers including Hershey and Trader Joe’s were manufacturing product ranges that it claimed had been identified as a cause for concern due to the presence of heavy metals.
In a fresh round of product testing, the consumer group stated that it had analysed 48 products within the chocolate and cocoa sector, which claimed to show that darker chocolates had more cadmium present than milk chocolate – which has been attributed to the fact that darker ranges have higher cocoa content.
According to its findings, 16 of those products tested had levels of cadmium and lead that were considered ‘above levels of concern’ – include some more than twice or three times over its pre-defined limits, though it stated that safer options were available within each category of chocolate.
The article prompted a swift response from the NCA, which reaffirmed its position regarding the safety of chocolate ranges, with the organisation expressing concern that the consumer article did not appear to reference existing industry standards.
Its statement read: “Chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible.”
As the NCA asserted, the Consumer Reports article findings had not mentioned the levels previously set by the Superior Court of the State of California, San Francisco County California in 2018.
Notably, as it continued, at that time the chocolate and cocoa industry was granted a Consent Judgment on February 14, 2018, which remains in effect. The judgment established concentration levels for both lead and cadmium that supersede the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Maximum Allowable Dose Levels for cocoa and chocolate products.
Commenting on the case, the Food and Drug Administration, said that “While the presence of cadmium and lead in chocolate has been the subject of considerable media attention, experts from around the world have found that chocolate is a minor source of exposure to these contaminants internationally.”