A recent, 8-year-long analysis of U.S. dark chocolate and cocoa products revealed a significant portion of samples to contain cadmium and lead levels exceeding California Proposition 65 maximum allowable limits, although concentrations of toxic heavy metals were seen to reduce over time.

The National Confectioners Association and As You Sow have compiled recommendations based on findings from a three-year study that explored ways to reduce the presence of cadmium and lead in cocoa and chocolate.