Consumers Who Enjoyed Dark Chocolate Sue US 'Hershey' for Billions

No Disclosure of Heavy Metals in Products...6.3 Billion Won Compensation Lawsuit
Lead and Cadmium Detected in Dark Chocolate from 28 Brands Recently

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] A consumer in the United States has filed a $5 million (approximately 6.3 billion KRW) lawsuit against a famous chocolate company for failing to disclose the presence of heavy metals.

According to foreign media on the 29th (local time), the plaintiff is Christopher Nazajaro, who lives in New York State, USA. On the 28th, he filed a complaint for damages worth $5 million (approximately 6.3 billion KRW) against the famous chocolate company Hershey in the U.S. Central Islip Federal Court in New York. He claims that Hershey sold dark chocolate bars containing lead and cadmium.

Nazajaro cited a report released two weeks ago by Consumer Reports, a U.S. consumer organization, as evidence. The report stated that 28 brands of dark chocolate, including well-known brands such as Godiva, Lindt, Dove, and Trader Joe's, all contained heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. It warned, "Consuming more than one ounce (about 28.5g) of these chocolates per day could expose consumers to heavy metals exceeding the daily maximum intake limit set by the state of California." Among Hershey's chocolates, the 'Special Dark Bar' was found to contain a high amount of heavy metals.

In an interview with a media outlet, Nazajaro said, "A wise consumer would not purchase chocolate containing heavy metals that could cause serious health risks," and added, "Hershey did not disclose the presence of heavy metals on the product packaging."

There is also an opinion that the detection of lead and cadmium in chocolate is unavoidable due to the cultivation process of cacao, the raw material of chocolate. Heavy metals come from pollution of the air and soil. Cadmium is commonly found in soil and is absorbed through plant roots, affecting the fruit. Lead particles carried by the wind come into contact with the surface of cacao beans when they are dried outdoors.

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no limits set for lead and cadmium in chocolate, but continuous exposure to heavy metals can cause health problems such as kidney and brain damage, bone and lung diseases, and increased risk of anemia. Lead is particularly dangerous for children as it can severely affect the development of the brain, nervous system, and other vital organs, potentially causing lower IQ and hyperactivity.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidant polyphenols, and regular consumption of dark chocolate has been known to provide health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, maintaining heart health, and improving attention and concentration.

Meanwhile, a representative of the U.S. Confectioners Association responded to the Consumer Reports' report by stating, "The heavy metal levels in all chocolates tested are below the limits set by the California court in 2018," and added, "If these limits were exceeded, warning labels would have been placed on the chocolate packaging."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.