Study Warns Brazilian Chocolates Have Lead and Cadmium

Brazilian chocolates contain certain amounts of lead and cadmium, warns a study.

Antioxidants in cocoa reduce inflammation and risk of early mortality. This makes chocolate the ideal treat for people of all  age groups. But, recently researchers from the University of Campinas, Brazil, found many chocolate brands in the country have harmful ingredients that can be dangerous to the health of its consumers, especially children. Their study was mainly carried out to examine benefits of eating chocolates with high amounts of flavonoids and antioxidants.  They tested 30 samples of commercially sold milk, dark and white chocolate. Some of them are also available in the U.S, reports the Laboratory Equipment.

They discovered metals like lead and cadmium  in varying quantities in the chocolates.  The lead and cadmium levels exceeded maximum recommended amounts by the European Union and World Health Organization guidelines. Earlier trials confirmed that cocoa plants derive these two metals from the soil. The current research warns too much exposure to lead causes abdominal pain, anemia and headache in adults.  The study noted if a child weighing 33 pounds would eat one third of an ounce of dark chocolate ina  day, his weekly consumption of metal would be 20 percent higher than EU's guidelines.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests the average amount of lead in candy bars must not be more than 100 nanograms for each gram of chocolate. Nearly two chocolate brands had at least 30 to 40 nanograms of lead per gram of candy.

The intake of metal results in development of behavioral disorders and impaired language skills. Cadmium on the other hand damage vital organs and alters hormonal balance due to its estrogenic effects.

More information is available online in the journal Agriculture and Food Chemistry.