One of America’s and world’s largest chocolate producer in the world has recently been at the eye of the storm. The transnational company has been allegedly sued for not disclosing information on lead existence in numerous of its dark chocolate bars. Let us learn more on this with the help f this article.
The company also “manufactures baked products, such as cookies and cakes, and sells beverages like milkshakes, as well as other products. Its headquarters are in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States, which is also home to Hershey Park and Hershey’s Chocolate World. It was founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894 as the Hershey Chocolate Company, which is a subsidiary of his Lancaster Caramel Company. The Hershey Trust Company owns a minority stake but retains most of the voting power within the company.” Hershey’s chocolate is available across the United States, and in over 60 countries worldwide. It has three large distribution centers with modern labor management systems. In addition, Hershey is a member of the World Cocoa Foundation. It is also associated with the Hershey Park Stadium and the Giant Center.
A USA based magazine called the “Consumer Reports” claim to have conducted tests on almost 28 dark chocolates of different companies. Below are few aspects of the Report pasted:
“To determine the risk posed by the chocolates in CR’s test, we used California’s maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead (0.5 micrograms) and cadmium (4.1mcg). Shown are the percentages of the MADL supplied in an ounce of each chocolate. Our results indicate which products had comparatively higher levels and are not assessments of whether a product exceeds a legal standard. We used those levels because there are no federal limits for the amount of lead and cadmium most foods can contain, and CR’s scientists believe that California’s levels are the most protective available. While both cadmium and lead pose serious health risks, products within each category are listed in order of lead level, because that heavy metal poses particular concerns and no amount of it is considered safe.”
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Taza ChocolateOrganic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 33% LEAD 74% CADMIUM |
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GhirardelliIntense Dark Chocolate 86% Cacao 36% LEAD 93% CADMIUM |
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ValrhonaAbinao Dark Chocolate 73% CADMIUM |
HIGH IN CADMIUM
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LindtExcellence Dark Chocolate 48% LEAD 116% CADMIUM |
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DovePromises Deeper Dark Chocolate 74% LEAD 112% CADMIUM |
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Beyond GoodIntense Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao 42% LEAD 112% CADMIUM |
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Scharffen BergerExtra Dark Chocolate 49% LEAD 136% CADMIUM |
HIGH IN LEAD
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Hershey’sSpecial Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate 30% CADMIUM |
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HuOrganic Simple Dark Chocolate 56% CADMIUM |
Products like chocolates are not only consumed by children of all ages but various other companies too are dependent on them. Restaurants, sweet factories, bakeries etc., and as such companies like Hershey’s and Lindt are first preferences of every consumer and retailer. Buyers also completely rely on the description of every goods they buy. However, wouldn’t these companies go into complete loss if they did mention every detail that goes into making their products?
[1] The Hershey Company – Wikipedia
[2] “Tricks and Treats (Special)”. fool.com. October 26, 1999. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. [3] The Supply Chain & Logistics Institute # Chris Malon, Hershey Foods |
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