Consumer Reports revealed on Wednesday that it had identified “concerning” levels of lead and cadmium in a significant portion of chocolate products it recently tested. The non-profit consumer group is calling on Hershey, a leading chocolate manufacturer, to take measures to reduce the presence of heavy metals in its chocolate products.

The study conducted by Consumer Reports found that 16 out of 48 chocolate products from various manufacturers contained potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium, or both. These products were tested across seven categories, including dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate bars, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mixes for brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate.

Chocolate products found to have excessive levels of these heavy metals included a dark chocolate bar and hot chocolate mix from Walmart, cocoa powder from Hershey’s and Droste, semi-sweet chocolate chips from Target, and hot chocolate mixes from Trader Joe’s, Nestle, and Starbucks. Interestingly, only milk chocolate bars, with lower cocoa solids, were found to be free from excessive metal content.

Consumer Reports has emphasized that long-term exposure to lead and cadmium can lead to health issues, including problems with the nervous system, suppression of the immune system, and kidney damage, with pregnant women and young children being particularly vulnerable.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration informed the non-profit that chocolate is considered a “minor source of exposure” to lead and cadmium on an international scale. However, it is the responsibility of manufacturers and processors to ensure the safety of their food products.

This recent study follows Consumer Reports’ findings from December, which showed that 23 out of 28 tested dark chocolate bars had excessive levels of lead or cadmium, including Hershey products sold under their own brand, as well as the Lily’s and Scharffen Berger brands.

Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports’ food policy director, has called on Hershey, a widely recognized brand, to take action to make its chocolate safer. The non-profit did not make the same request to other manufacturers in this instance.

In March, Hershey’s Chief Financial Officer, Steve Voskuil, expressed the company’s commitment to reducing levels of lead and cadmium, acknowledging that these metals can naturally occur in chocolate products due to elements in the soil.

Consumer Reports stated that over 75,000 consumers had previously signed a petition urging Hershey to reduce heavy metals in its chocolate. The non-profit is now renewing its petition to the company.

Hershey redirected requests for comments to the National Confectioners Association, whose spokesman, Christopher Gindlesperger, emphasized the safety of chocolate and cocoa products, noting their long history as enjoyable treats.

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