Consumer Reports, a renowned consumer watchdog, has recently identified high levels of lead and cadmium in chocolate products. Out of the 48 products tested, 16 were found to contain potentially harmful levels of these heavy metals. The products included dark chocolate bars, hot chocolate mixes, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Long-term exposure to lead and cadmium can have serious health implications, such as nervous system problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage. In light of these findings, Consumer Reports has called on chocolate makers to take immediate action to reduce the levels of these harmful metals in their products.
This report comes shortly after the Hong Kong Consumer Council issued a warning about heavy metal traces in chocolate samples. The council found traces of cadmium in all 29 chocolate samples tested, with one batch exceeding permitted EU levels. The council also highlighted the need for consumers to carefully check the nutritional contents of plant-based milk products, as they may not be a complete substitute for cow's milk in terms of nutrients. The council advised buyers to ensure that plant-based milk products meet their dietary needs by inspecting the nutritional labels.
It is evident that the presence of heavy metals in chocolate is a matter of concern for both consumers and consumer watchdogs. The findings from both Consumer Reports and the Hong Kong Consumer Council highlight the need for stricter regulations and quality control measures in the chocolate industry. Consumers should be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming chocolate products that contain high levels of lead and cadmium. Chocolate makers, on the other hand, should prioritize the safety and well-being of their consumers by taking steps to reduce the presence of these harmful metals in their products.
In a related development, Whole Foods, a popular grocery store known for its focus on sustainable and ethical products, offers a variety of chocolate products that are produced and sourced in a sustainable, ethical way. These products have been ranked based on taste-tests, customer opinions, and online reviews. Lily's Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels ranked last due to their lack of sweetness and flavor. Good Day Chocolate Sleep Supplement is a good sleep aid but lacks in chocolate flavor. The 365 Organic Milk Chocolate bar is decent but too sweet at times. Chocolove Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate is a budget-friendly option but the taste of almonds is subtle. Divine Deliciously Smooth Dark Chocolate has a waxy flavor but is ethically sourced. Tony's Chocolonely is bursting with flavor and committed to ending exploitation in cocoa. Hu Simple Dark Chocolate is vegan, paleo, and rich in flavor. Uncle Eddie's Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies balance peanut butter and chocolate well. Little Secrets Dark Chocolate Crispy Wafers have a light, cacao and salty flavor. Lake Champlain Hazelnut Five Star Bar combines milk chocolate, hazelnut, and praline for a creamy taste. Beyond Good Madagascar Pure Dark Chocolate has fruity notes and is made from direct trade certified cocoa. 365 Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels are sweet, salty, and crunchy. Taza Chocolate Mexican-Style Stone Ground Chocolate has a unique texture and layered flavors. 365 Two-Bite Chocolate Brownies are moist and indulgent. Theo Organic Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate is a rich and delicious bar with a delightful salty surprise.
These rankings provide consumers with information about the taste and quality of chocolate products available at Whole Foods. Additionally, the rankings reflect Whole Foods' commitment to offering sustainable and ethically sourced chocolate options. By choosing these products, consumers can support responsible chocolate production and enjoy delicious treats.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert for elevated lead levels in ground cinnamon products sold at discount stores. The FDA has flagged several brands, including Marcum-brand cinnamon sold at Save A Lot, Supreme Tradition-brand cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, and other brands sold at various supermarkets. Prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe, although no illnesses or adverse events have been reported. The FDA advises consumers to discard these products and to check their cupboards for them. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of lead in the diet could contribute to adverse health effects. The FDA's study on lead levels in cinnamon is an outgrowth of a recall of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products in October 2023. Lead can contaminate spices through various means, such as the soil, processing facilities, storage, or intentional addition for weight or color.
Several U.S. discount retailers have recalled packages of ground cinnamon after federal health officials warned that they were contaminated with high levels of lead. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert for six brands of cinnamon, including those sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores. The recalls are raising questions about the safety of cinnamon, a popular spice found in many American kitchens. Recalls have been issued for Marcum and Supreme Tradition brand ground cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot stores nationwide. Other recalls include El Chilar brand cinnamon sold at La Joya Morelense in Baltimore, Maryland, and Swad cinnamon powder sold at Patel Brothers stores across the U.S. FDA tests found lead levels ranging from 2 parts per million to 4 parts per million in the recalled cinnamon. The source of the recalled cinnamon is unclear, as is where it was produced. Cinnamon in the U.S. is imported from many places, including India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Many foods, including spices, contain lead from natural sources such as soil and water. Spices can accumulate lead from other sources in the environment, such as leaded gasoline or other pollution. No amount of lead is safe, so it should be avoided. Lead can cause long-term problems in adults, including a greater risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney damage. Lead is especially harmful to children, where it can cause problems with basic intelligence, learning, and behavior. Consumers should buy spices from companies that have publicly said they monitor their sources. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to know whether spices on grocery shelves are contaminated with lead or other toxins.
Swiss food giant Nestle is facing controversy over its baby food brand Cerelac in India, as an investigation by Swiss agency Public Eye found that it contains high levels of added sugar compared to similar products in other countries. Each serving of Cerelac baby products in India contains an average of nearly three grams of sugar, while the same product is marketed without added sugar in Germany and the UK. The World Health Organization recommends against introducing added sugar to infants, as it can increase the risk of long-term health problems such as diabetes and obesity. Excess sugar consumption among infants and children can lead to tooth decay, obesity, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Indian experts emphasize the need to educate parents and grandparents about the harms of excess sugar consumption and the importance of introducing natural sources of sugar, such as fruits and vegetables, to infants.
In a recent investigation by Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), it was found that Nestlé brand baby foods in low- and middle-income countries have added sugars, while in high-income countries they do not. The investigation compared the nutritional content of Nestlé's Cerelac and Nido products and found that in countries like Thailand, Ethiopia, South Africa, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, the products contained up to 6 grams of added sugar, while in the United Kingdom and Germany, the same products contained zero added sugars. The investigation also found that in the Philippines and other countries, the added sugar content was not listed on Nestlé's labeling. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that children under age 2 have zero grams of added sugars in their diet. Nestlé responded to the investigation by stating that the differences in sugar content depend on regulations and availability of local ingredients, and that these differences do not compromise the nutritional value of their products. Nestlé has a controversial history of marketing baby formula to impoverished mothers in the past. The company has been accused of misleading mothers into thinking formula is better than breast milk, despite recommendations from leading health organizations to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life.
In response to the controversy, Nestle is planning to launch Cerelac with 'no added sugar' in India. The company has already been reducing the sugar content in its products and aims to create a product with no added sugar in the future. Nestle's Cerelac complies with local food norms and contains 7.1 grams of sugar per 100 grams, which is lower than the maximum permissible level set by the FSSAI. The company's chairman and managing director, Suresh Narayanan, stated that the journey to make their products more efficacious continues. [42078100]