Our David W. Martin Law Group personal injury lawyers in South Carolina are representing clients who are concerned about their exposure to lead and cadmium contained in Hershey’s and other manufacturers’ dark chocolate brands.
After a report claimed that Hershey’s dark chocolate contained dangerous heavy metals, our skilled personal injury attorneys are investigating the claims, and working with clients who have been exposed to the harmful effects of consuming the chocolates. We want to ensure consumers understand their rights and have access to the legal representation they need to pursue the manufacturer(s) for the harm associated with exposing them to hazardous chemicals.
Which Dark Chocolate Products Have Been Reported to Contain Lead & Cadmium?
The existing lawsuit claims Hershey “knew and could not be unaware of the existence of lead and cadmium” in the following brands:
- Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate
- Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
- Lily’s Extremely Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
The lawsuit goes on to accuse Hershey of “deceptive and misleading” marketing practices by not stating on the packaging that they contained dangerous heavy metals, lead and cadmium.
In addition, Consumer Reports sent 28 dark chocolate bars from brands including Hershey’s, Lily’s, Trader Joe’s, and Lindt for testing. The results, published earlier this month, found that for 23 of the bars, eating an ounce a day meant an adult could consume more lead and cadmium than public-health authorities generally considered safe.
What Happens to the Body When Lead and Cadmium Are Ingested?
The Mayo Clinic warns that “Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems.”
The buildup over time can lead to different signs and symptoms, depending on the person’s age. The health risks are often much higher in women and children.
Lead poisoning symptoms in children include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Constipation
- Developmental Delay
- Hearing Loss
- Irritability
- Learning Difficulties
- Loss of Appetite
- Seizures
- Sluggishness and Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
Adults exposed to lead poisoning may exhibit signs and symptoms that include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Abnormal Sperm and Reduced Sperm Count
- Difficulties with Memory or Concentration
- Headache
- High Blood Pressure
- Joint and Muscle Pain
- Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Premature Birth in Pregnant Women
- Mood Disorders
Babies exposed to lead before birth might:
- Be born prematurely.
- Have lower birth weight.
- Have slowed growth.
The Centers for Disease Control says that exposure to low levels of cadmium can cause the metal to build up in the body over time and may cause kidney disease, fragile bones, and even cancer.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today if You or a Loved One Has Been Exposed To Any Harmful Effects From Ingesting Hershey Dark Chocolates
If you believe you have been exposed to lead or cadmium from eating Hershey’s dark chocolate, or any brand of dark chocolate that contains the dangerous heavy metals, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers in South Carolina today by calling (803) 548-2468 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the manufacturer(s) for your full financial recovery.
