The Danger of “Lead” in Dark Chocolate and Cocoa

SAFAKNA TURKEY – Pesticides and heavy metal residues in agricultural products threaten human life. When the elements in the incinerated waste are not destroyed by incineration, they enter the soil or product through the air. A similar study was carried out in Turkey last month after studies conducted abroad found lead in some dark chocolates. Marketed as 60% dark chocolate, the product has been tested in a private laboratory and found to contain lead.

Ali Manavoglu, head of the Antalya branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers, said lead is a heavy metal that can cause many negative effects and diseases. Manavoglu said: “This causes children in development to experience very serious neuropsychological problems in the future. When we look at the explanation of last month’s study, heavy metal analysis is performed on a randomly selected 60 percent dark chocolate. Chocolate contains about 400 micrograms of lead. The World Health Organization states that the amount of lead in the blood is approximately 2.2 micrograms.

Stressing that a study of the lead content in products using chocolate and cocoa has not yet been carried out in the country, Manavoglu said: “In view of the checks that will be carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, it is necessary to analyze cocoa beans and products coming from abroad, and see the results. During the study, the amount of lead in chocolate was very high. Undesirable for children after 2.2 mcg in the body. However, analysis revealed 400 micrograms in dark chocolate. A determination was made close to 200 times the limit,” he said.

Stating that heavy metals cannot be destroyed by incineration, Manavoglu said: “Government agencies and laboratories must collect samples from the market and determine the level of lead through serious and hard work. After that, solutions must be sought. It’s wrong to say “let’s not eat dark chocolate anymore”. Lead is formed as a result of environmental pollution in the region where cocoa beans are grown. This is an element, it cannot be destroyed, burned. Because it is a heavy metal, it will leach out of the air and mix with either the product or the soil.

Stating that consumers are more helpless in these matters, Manavoglu said: “Heavy metals can cause carcinogenic, mental and psychological effects in the body. This can cause problems that can affect a person’s mental development and even their IQ level. The manufacturer must carefully select the drugs to be used and the location of the manufacturing facilities. Products manufactured in high traffic areas may contain heavy metal residues. The consumer must wash the products he buys very well. Unwashed foods may contain heavy metals due to pesticide residues and environmental pollution.