3 ms·

It's interesting that in the main study this is based on (for metals rather than BPA etc) they state both that the average results are dominated by outliers and

by kurthr 2y ago

It's interesting that in the main study this is based on (for metals rather than BPA etc) they state both that the average results are dominated by outliers and that, "As a whole, products in later cohorts (2016, 2019, 2022) demonstrated lower concentrations of all heavy metals tested as compared with those in 2014, with significantly lower concentrations of lead documented between the years 2022 vs. 2014 and the years 2019 vs. 2014." https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1366231/abstract https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3... It's not that surprising that the lowest cost "flavoring" cocoa would be contaminated, but for high priced chocolates not to know their suppliers would be more surprising.

dTal 2y ago
The issue is that the cocoa plant itself absorbs heavy metals from the ground like nobody's business. It's hard to get lead-free chocolate, full stop - no irresponsible supplier required.
- kurthr 2y ago
  Yes, but unless it’s incredibly boutique, the buyer would both be tasting the beans and running tests on the product. It’s not that hard/expensive. The large low margin chocolate manufacturers (Mars, Mendelez) definitely already test, and they already know which of their suppliers have Cd problems in their soil. It isn’t something that changes year to year (although processing/fermentation effects on Pb can) especially if it’s monitored. The smaller suppliers only buy from a few bean producers and rarely switch because they’re looking for a particular flavor/quality. They would really notice if there was change in bean process, just like with coffee. Even they test and have higher incentives, because their customers have choices. https://spinnakerchocolate.com/blogs/blog/from-farm-to-factory-where-does-chocolate-come-from https://spinnakerchocolate.com/blogs/blog/from-farm-to-facto... So if you’re looking for zero eat something else, but modern sourcing can reliably be below CA standards (as shown by the very study cited in the OP).

by kurthr 2y ago

dTal 2y ago

The issue is that the cocoa plant itself absorbs heavy metals from the ground like nobody's business. It's hard to get lead-free chocolate, full stop - no irresponsible supplier required.

kurthr 2y ago
Yes, but unless it’s incredibly boutique, the buyer would both be tasting the beans and running tests on the product. It’s not that hard/expensive. The large low margin chocolate manufacturers (Mars, Mendelez) definitely already test, and they already know which of their suppliers have Cd problems in their soil. It isn’t something that changes year to year (although processing/fermentation effects on Pb can) especially if it’s monitored. The smaller suppliers only buy from a few bean producers and rarely switch because they’re looking for a particular flavor/quality. They would really notice if there was change in bean process, just like with coffee. Even they test and have higher incentives, because their customers have choices. https://spinnakerchocolate.com/blogs/blog/from-farm-to-factory-where-does-chocolate-come-from https://spinnakerchocolate.com/blogs/blog/from-farm-to-facto... So if you’re looking for zero eat something else, but modern sourcing can reliably be below CA standards (as shown by the very study cited in the OP).