Lindt is at the center of a class action in the United States, accused of hiding high levels of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, in its chocolate
Everyone knows Lindt chocolate, one of the most famous in the world, but what many ignore is that the Swiss company Lindt & Sprüngliproducer of the iconic bars and pralines, recently found itself at the center of one class action in the United States.
The reason? THE high levels of heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, found in the brand’s dark chocolate samples, analyzed by an investigation by ConsumerReports of 2022. The US non-profit organisation, which deals with consumer protection, analyzed 28 dark chocolate bars sold in the United States, evaluating the presence of heavy metals:
To determine the risk posed by chocolates in the CR test, we used California’s maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead (0.5 micrograms) and cadmium (4.1 mcg). Shown are the percentages of MADL provided in one ounce of each chocolate. Our results indicate which products had relatively higher levels. We used those levels because there are no federal limits on the amount of lead and cadmium most foods can contain, and CR scientists believe California’s levels are the most protective available.
Lindt was obviously not the only brand involved, the investigation also examined Tony’s Chocolonely, Lily’s, Godiva and Green & Black’s tablets, which similarly showed high levels of lead and cadmium, while other brands were found to be more safe.
But why did Lindt end up in the crosshairs of dissatisfied consumers? Obviously because of its fame, but also because this chocolate was one of the worst in the test: in Lindt 85% dark chocolate levels of lead and cadmium were found well above safety limits (166% lead and 80% cadmium).
The discovery raised alarm in the US. According to the consumer association, among other things, Lindt would have been aware of this problem since at least 2014, but never took action.
Lindt’s response and the attempt to block the class action
Lindt has unsuccessfully attempted to end the class action lawsuit in the United States, which was initiated in February 2023 following the findings of ConsumerReports.
The company’s defense stated that this is not false advertising, as they never claimed that their products were free of heavy metals. However, consumers obviously believe that high-quality chocolate should not contain these substances in dangerous quantities.
Faced with the accusations, Lindt essentially tried to downplay the severity of the situationarguing that the descriptions “excellence” And “expertly made with the best ingredientsthe” on the packaging of its chocolate are to be considered hyperbolic and could therefore not be used to hold the company responsible.
However, the New York district court rejected this line of defense, stating that consumer confidence in the quality of the brand may have been exploited.
Metals in chocolate: what solutions?
The issue of lead and cadmium contamination in dark chocolate is complex, but there are some strategies that cocoa farmers and chocolate manufacturers should consider.
We are thinking, for example, of selecting soils with lower levels of heavy metals but also of working on agricultural techniques and safer manufacturing processes. Some brands are investing in regular testing to ensure transparency about safety levels and are investigating innovative alternatives, such as “lab-grown” cocoa beans.
