Metals in chocolate, Lindt&Sprungli responds to accusations: safe bars

Lindt & Sprüngli is contesting allegations made by US consumers in a class action lawsuit against its products for the presence of heavy metals in two types of dark chocolate bars produced by the Swiss company (other chocolate manufacturers are also involved in the lawsuit).

In February 2023, consumers in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada and New York took legal action after the publication of an article by Consumer Reports, which tested 28 products marketed in the United States for levels of cadmium and lead, two heavy metals found in dark chocolate bars.
One of Lindt's products was found to be among the eight high in cadmium and another among the ten high in lead. Two other bars were ranked among the safest.

"Lindt & Sprüngli does not agree with the allegations made in this legal action in the United States," the company said. Our quality and safety procedures ensure that all products comply with applicable safety standards and required declarations.

The charge for the Swiss group is that they have violated the labelling regulations in force in their states. Consumers explained that they would not have bought these bars, or would have paid less, if they had been informed of the presence, or risk of presence, of heavy metals. Lindt attempted to put an end to this class action complaint, but it was dismissed in the first instance in early September by an Eastern District Court in New York.

Besides Lindt, other chocolate manufacturers (including Mars and Godiva) were sued by consumers after the Consumer Reports study was published. Metals can occur naturally in soil. Consumer Reports stated that long-term exposure to these metals can cause nervous system problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage, with a greater danger for pregnant women and children.