Hershey, a manufacturer of chocolate, has been sued in the United States because its products contain dangerous quantities of metal.
Christopher Lazazzaro says in his case that the company misled consumers by omitting to disclose the concentrations of lead and cadmium in three dark chocolate bars.
He asserted that had he known, he would not have purchased the items.
Hershey’s did not respond to a request for comment immediately.
Several studies suggest that the antioxidants and relatively low sugar content of dark chocolate may aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
However, the complaint cites recent findings from the US magazine Consumer Reports (CR), which tested 28 bars of dark chocolate for lead and cadmium.
The magazine claimed that 23 of them, including Hershey, Godiva, and Lindt chocolate, contained “relatively greater levels” of the metals.
For 23 of the bars, consuming just one ounce (28 grams) per day would put an adult over a level that public health authorities and CR’s experts suggest may be dangerous for at least one of these heavy metals,” the report stated.
Specifically, Hershey’s Special Dark bar and Lily’s 70% bar included high levels of lead, whereas Lily’s 85% bar contained high levels of both lead and cadmium.
The nutritionist Sheeba Majmudar told that any food might include heavy metals if they are present in the soil in high concentration.
“There are currently no rules requiring all food batches to be tested unless they cause illness. While there is no acceptable level of pollutants, the phrase “buyer beware” comes to mind “She continued.
Mr. Lazazzaro’s case, which was filed in a New York federal court on Wednesday, argues that he would not have purchased or desired to pay less for Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate, Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa, and Lily’s Extreme Dark Chocolate bars.
Lily’s, a manufacturer of low-sugar treats, was acquired by Hershey in June of last year. Hershey described the acquisition as “a wonderful addition to its growing portfolio of better-for-you snacking products.”
“Consumers rely on [Hershey] to be honest about the ingredients,” argues the lawsuit.
It adds that “people are concerned about what is in the food they eat,” while parents and carers are “concerned about what they feed the youngsters in their care.”
In the proposed class action suit, Mr. Lazazzaro seeks at least $5 million (£4.2 million) in damages from Hershey.
