NCA Releases Statement on Consumer Reports Chocolate and Cocoa Study

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the Dec. 15, 2022, Consumer Reports study on chocolate and cocoa, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement:

STATEMENT 

"Chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) guidelines cited in the Consumer Reports study are not food safety standards. An expert investigation conducted through our prior California Proposition 65 settlement concluded that cadmium and lead are present in cocoa and chocolate due to soil and that bean cleaning during processing cocoa beans reduces lead and cadmium in chocolate products. The products cited in this study are in compliance with strict quality and safety requirements, and the levels provided to us by Consumer Reports testing are well under the limits established by our settlement. Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible."

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND