Consumers file class actions after report reveals heavy metals in dark chocolate

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Dark chocolate heavy metals class action lawsuits overview: 

• Who: Consumers recently filed class action lawsuits against Hershey, Trader Joe’s, Mars, Godiva and Lindt.
• Why: Consumers collectively claim the companies manufactured, sold and failed to disclose the alleged presence of unsafe levels of lead and cadmium in some of their dark chocolate products.
• Where: Consumers filed class action lawsuits nationwide.

Consumers filed at least five class action lawsuits recently accusing companies of manufacturing and selling dark chocolate containing unsafe amounts of toxic heavy metals. 

Consumers took aim at chocolate manufacturers Hershey, Trader Joe’s, Mars, Godiva and Lindt over claims the companies sold dark chocolate products containing the toxic heavy metals lead and cadmium. 

In December, Consumer Reports revealed it found dangerous heavy metals, namely lead and cadmium, in a number of popular chocolate brands, including all 28 of the dark chocolate bars they tested. 

Hershey fails to disclose some dark chocolate products contain cadmium, lead, class action claims

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Hershey in late December alleging the company fails to disclose that some of its Lily’s and Hershey’s brand dark chocolate products contained cadmium and lead.

The consumer behind the complaint claims it is important to know whether or not a food product contains a high level of a toxic heavy metals like lead or cadmium, arguing they can “pose serious health risk, even in small dosages.” 

“Consumers rely on Defendant to be truthful regarding the ingredients, including the existence of lead and cadmium, in the Products,” the Hershey class action states. 

Trader Joe’s sells dark chocolate products containing heavy metals, class action says 

Meanwhile, earlier this year, a consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Trader Joe’s alleging the company sells dark chocolate products containing lead and cadmium. 

Trader Joe’s allegedly fails to disclose the alleged high levels of lead and cadmium in the dark chocolate products.

The consumer behind the class action lawsuit claims Trader Joe’s deceives and misleads consumers who are unaware of the actual contents of the dark chocolate products and the risks the allegedly high levels of toxic metals presents. 

“Despite these risks, Defendants failed to include any disclosures regarding lead and cadmium levels on their Products,” the dark chocolate heavy metals class action states. 

Mars accused of selling Dove brand dark chocolate containing unsafe levels of heavy metals

Also this month, Mars faced claims it sold Dove brand dark chocolate products containing unsafe levels of heavy metals lead and cadmium. 

The consumer behind the class action lawsuit argues Mars harms its customers by not disclosing on the labeling for the dark chocolate products that they allegedly contained lead and cadmium.

The consumer claims the company has “stood idly by with a reckless disregard for its consumers’ health and well-being.”

Godiva faces claims it sells a dark chocolate product containing unsafe level of lead

Godiva, meanwhile, was hit with a class action lawsuit this month by a consumer arguing the company sells a dark chocolate product containing an unsafe level of lead. 

The consumer behind the complaint argues that Godiva’s Excellence Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa bar product allegedly contains 146% of the amount of California’s maximum allowable lead levels. 

Godiva allegedly harms consumers by omitting that the dark chocolate product allegedly contains high levels of lead, according to the Godiva lawsuit. 

“No reasonable consumer would know, or have reason to know, that the Products contain (or risk containing) Heavy Metals,” the dark chocolate heavy metals class action states. 

Lindt conceals high levels of cadmium, lead in products, according to lawsuit

Also this month, a consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Lindt arguing the company conceals that some of its dark chocolate products contain high levels of cadmium and lead. 

Lindt fails to disclose unsafe levels of lead allegedly found in its Excellence Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa bar and Excellence Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa bar products, the lawsuit claims.

The consumer behind the class action lawsuit also argues that Lindt fails to change and/or adopt methods to try and limit the amount of toxic heavy metals in its dark chocolate products. 

Have you purchased a dark chocolate product that has been revealed to contain unsafe levels of lead and/or cadmium? Let us know in the comments! 

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