Nassau County Man Sues Hershey's Over Lead, Cadmium In Dark Chocolate

LONG ISLAND, NY — A Nassau County man has filed a lawsuit against candy conglomerate Hershey's claiming that its dark chocolate contains harmful levels of lead and cadmium.

In the federal suit filed with the Eastern District, Christopher Lazazzaro specifically references the products: Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate, Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa and Lily’s Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa for not labeling lead and cadmium within.

The class action lawsuit cites that any high level of those heavy metals, even in small dosages, would be toxic.

According to the lawsuit, "public reports and articles recently revealed that Defendant’s Products contain unsafe levels of lead and cadmium. Indeed, these levels of lead and cadmium exceed the MADLs (Maximum Allowable Dosage Level) for these chemicals; posing serious health risks."

Those at greatest risk are pregnant people and young children, according to Consumer Reports, because the metals can lead to developmental issues and affect brain development.

Exposure to even low levels of cadmium in air, food, water, and tobacco smoke over time may build up cadmium in the kidneys and cause kidney disease and fragile bones, as stated in the court document. Cadmium is also considered a cancer-causing agent.

Hershey's has not been available for comment.

Lazazzaro seeks monetary compensation from Hershey's for, among other things, "misleadingly, inaccurately, and deceptively advertise and market the Products to consumers," the court document indicates.

Patch attempted to reach Lazazzaro's attorney.