But the Cadmium is What Makes It So Tasty!

This ain’t surprising. What about our food system should we really trust?

A study by Consumer Reports has found dangerously high levels of heavy metals in chocolate from well-known brands including Hershey’s, Theo, and Trader Joe’s.

Of particular concern are levels in dark chocolate, which many people have come to believe is better for you than milk chocolate, according to the watchdog organization. Scientists recently measured various heavy metals in 28 dark chocolate bars and found cadmium and lead in all of them.

In addition to major brands including Dove and Ghirardelli, Consumer Reports tested lesser-known brands including Alter Eco and Mast.

For 23 of the 28 bars tested, eating one ounce a day would put an adult over the level of one of the heavy metals that health authorities say is safe for adults. Five of the brands had higher levels of both metals. Acceptable levels for children are much lower.It has long been known that heavy metals, particularly lead, can cause serious health problems for all people, but especially for children who are at risk for developmental problems, impaired brain development, lower IQ scores, and other issues. It is for these reasons that lead has long been banned from paint and plumbing.

But hey, at least the cacao is harvested by 8 year olds.