That Easter candy that you love so much could actually be poisoning your body. You know, more than adding extra pounds to the scale, but actually containing poison.
A heartbreaking study has come out that claims to have found popular Easter candy, such as the Cadbury Creme Egg had illegal levels of cadmium and lead. As You Sow, the California non-profit responsible for the study released a press release explaining that the poisonous heavy metals were found in several chocolate products from Hershey’s and Ghirardelli to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. As You Sow says that this dangerous discovery is just another testament to how humans are being poisoned.
“Lead exposure is associated with neurological impairment, such as learning disabilities and decreased IQ, even at very low levels. In fact, there is no safe level of lead for children,” said Eleanne van Vliet, MPH, As You Sow’s Environmental Health Consultant.
“As underscored by the Flint disaster, humans have contaminated our environment with lead, and now we must do everything in our power to protect ourselves and children, who are the most vulnerable of us, from every possible exposure,” said Sean Palfrey, MD, a pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at Boston University School of Medicine. “Young children and pregnant women especially should avoid exposure to lead.”
“Lead and cadmium accumulate in the body, so avoiding exposure is important, especially for children,” explained Danielle Fugere, As You Sow President. “Our goal is to work with chocolate manufacturers to find ways to avoid these metals in their products.”
Of course, chocolate makers were quick to denounce this study and told the media that each product goes under extensive test before being released to the public. The FDA has placed serious restrictions on cadmium and lead in food, and Hershey’s says that they are constantly monitored.
“People have been eating cocoa and chocolate for centuries with no evidence of a single incident of concern regarding these naturally occurring minerals,” a Hershey’s spokesperson tells the Post.
Another candy maker points out that there are plenty of food that also have traces of these dangerous substances. However, chocolate seems to have the highest levels.
To see if you Easter candy made the list, visit As You Sow’s website.
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