Purchased Luxury Chocolate and Discovered: It Contains Heavy Metals

How many times has it happened that you bought high-quality chocolate for a considerable amount of money, savored every bite, and even returned to buy it again? What if you discovered that this chocolate contains metals and harmful substances, and would you still go back to the supermarket to purchase it?<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Lindt, considered one of the world leaders in producing luxury chocolates and also sold in the country (kosher brand), is facing a legal and public storm following a report published in the United States pointing to the presence of heavy metals in its products.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The report, compiled by Consumer Reports, examined Lindt's dark chocolates from the "Excellence" series with cocoa concentrations of 70% and 85%. The findings showed that the 70% cocoa chocolate recorded 116% of the recommended limit for cadmium and 48% of the limit for lead, while the 85% cocoa concentration levels were even higher, with 166% of the lead limit and 80% of the cadmium limit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Following the publication, class-action lawsuits were filed by consumers from six U.S. states. The plaintiffs claim that Lindt presented its products as high-quality and safe but concealed critical information about the presence of heavy metals. On the other hand, the company's attorneys argued in court that the marketing language used, like the expression "excellent quality," is part of normal advertising exaggeration that is not misleading or legally binding.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Experts warn that prolonged exposure to lead and cadmium can cause severe health issues. Among children, effects include damage to brain development, reduced IQ levels, and other developmental problems. For adults, the damages may include harm to the nervous system, increased blood pressure, kidney function impairment, and weakened immune system. However, Lindt stated that its products meet the strictest safety standards and can be consumed safely. A company spokesperson said that "our consumers can fully trust the quality and safety of our products."<\/p>\r\n