Cadmium and Lead Found in Brazilian Chocolates

Previous studies have validated the health benefits of chocolate. Dark chocolate, particularly, has been termed as a super food due to its high anti-oxidant and flavonoid content. But a recent study published in the  American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reveals something new.  If you love chocolates, especially the Brazilian ones, this latest revelation is likely to shock you.  Scientists have discovered that commercial samples of Brazilian chocolates contain varying levels of lead and cadmium. Previous research has shown that crops have the ability to absorb lead and cadmium which can pose serious threats to human health when consumed. In adults, lead can trigger abdominal pain, headaches and anemia on the other hand  children can suffer from behavioural changes and language delay as its adverse effects. Cadmium can cause damage to several organs and can bring about hormonal imbalances in the body.For the current study, researchers tested commercial chocolate samples for any trace of cadmium and lead in them. Almost 30 milk, dark and white chocolate products of the Brazilian brands were brought and tested, some of these Brazilian chocolates are also available in the US. The US FDA, recommends that the level of lead in candy should not exceed 100 nanogrammes per gram (ng/g) of candy. As a result of the study, it was found that two out of 30 samples topped this threshold by about 30 to 40 ng/g. They found that dark chocolates had the highest amounts of lead and cadmium, but all levels fell below maximum consumption limits from Brazil, the European Union and the World Health Organisation.
The researchers pointed out that only a fraction of lead or cadmium could be absorbed into a person's bloodstream, but the levels of these chemical elements found in dark chocolate is a reason to worry.
Inputs from PTI