Hershey's, Mondelez urged to reduce harmful metal levels in chocolate
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Consumer Reports made waves in December after revealing tests that found dangerous levels of heavy metals in dark chocolates from Hershey's (NYSE:HSY), Mondelez (NASDAQ:MDLZ), Theo and Trader Joe's.
Long-term exposure to the metals can result in nervous system problems, immune system suppression and kidney damage, as well as higher risks for pregnant women and young children.
23 of the 28 bars tested had potentially harmful levels of lead or cadmium for people who consume more than one ounce of chocolate per day. 5 had elevated levels of both metals: two from Theo, and one each from Hershey's-owned Lily's (HSY), Mondelez' Green & Black's (MDLZ), and Trader Joe's.
Consumer Reports is now urging producers to commit by Valentine's Day to reduce the amount of harmful metals in their products. Hershey's (HSY) and Mondelez (MDLZ) have also been sued over the magazine's findings.