How heavy metals get into dark chocolate bars

Heavy metals naturally contaminate a lot of the foods we regularly enjoy — including dark chocolate. While there are tips to minimize exposure, including knowing which bars have lower levels of heavy metals, chocolate lovers may want to know how heavy metals get into these treats in the first place. A 2018 California consent judgment between nonprofit advocacy group As You Sow and the world's largest chocolate companies established industry standards for heavy metal limits in chocolate products. In response to the judgment, the National Confectioners Association and As You Sow — with contribut...