Scientists at George Washington University have found that cocoa products sold in the United States contain large amounts of heavy metals, with levels of lead and cadmium exceeding acceptable limits. The findings are in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. The Belarusian Ideal Agency reported this.

Over eight years, experts analyzed 72 different cocoa products, including dark chocolate. The assessment is based on maximum permissible doses of lead, cadmium and arsenic to determine potential health risks.

Forty-three percent of the products studied exceeded acceptable limits for lead, and 35 percent exceeded acceptable limits for cadmium. Arsenic levels are within acceptable limits. It is worth noting that so-called organic products usually have higher levels of heavy metals.

Although a single serving of these foods may not pose a significant health risk, regular consumption or use in combination with other sources of heavy metals may cause exposure levels to exceed permitted levels. This is especially concerning given the popularity of dark chocolate and its alleged health benefits.

The researchers stress the importance of consumers being aware of the possible risks of organic cocoa products. They note that care needs to be taken in selecting products to minimize potential exposure to heavy metals.

Organic products refer to agricultural products produced by using organic fertilizers such as compost, green manure and bone meal, and by means of crop rotation and associated production.