Chocolate Makers Face US Lawsuit
Over Lead, Cadmium Levels
5-10-2


LOS ANGELES (AFX) - The American Environmental Safety Institute said it filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court to force chocolate makers either to lower levels of lead and cadmium in their products or provide warnings to consumers.

"Cocoa and chocolate manufacturers have known that their products contain lead and cadmium for several years, yet have not taken action to lower or eliminate the toxic metals from their products," said the AESI, which said it is a volunteer-funded, non-profit making organisation.

At the same time, AESI filed petitions with the Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Health Services to set limits on the amount of lead in finished chocolate products.

A spokesman for Nestle AG was quoted as telling the BBC: "We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against these baseless and frivolous allegations."

Cadbury Schweppes, Britain's biggest chocolate maker, told the BBC it was "not aware of any problems".

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