Key points from article :
Some dark chocolate bars contain cadmium and lead - that are linked to health problems in children and adults.
Scientists measured the amount of heavy metals in 28 dark chocolate bars and found cadmium and lead in all of them.
For 23 of the bars, eating just an ounce a day would put an adult over a harmful level for at least one of those heavy metals.
Five of the bars were above the harmful levels for both cadmium and lead.
Danger is greatest for pregnant people and young children, causing developmental problems, affect brain development, and lead to lower IQ, says Tunde Akinleye, lead researcher.
Frequent exposure to lead in adults can result in nervous system problems, hypertension, immune suppression, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.
Safe amount of heavy metals is found in bars from Mast, Taza Chocolate, Ghirardelli, and Valrhona.
Chocolate bars high in cadmium are from Beyond Good, Equal Exchange, Lindt, Scharffen Berger, Alter Eco, Pascha, and Dove.
High in lead are from Tony's Chocolonely, Lily's, Godiva, Chocolove, Lindt, Endangered Species, Trader Joe's, Hu, Chocolove, and Hershey's.
High in both lead & cadmium are from Theo, Trader Joe's, Theo, Lily's, and Green & Black's.
Lowering heavy metal content requires changes in harvesting, manufacturing, and breeding practices of cacao plants.
Better ways to eat dark chocolate is by choosing the one with the lowest level of heavy metals, lower cacao percentages, using it as an alternative to milk chocolate, being mindful of the total chocolate intake, and by eating a well-rounded diet.
