Allegations have surfaced against popular breakfast cereal Cocoa Puffs, claiming that it contains dangerously high levels of lead. Two federal lawsuits have been filed against its parent company General Mills, seeking millions in damages.
The lawsuits were filed by consumers from California and Minnesota, who claim that the cereal exceeds the state’s maximum limit of lead per serving. The plaintiffs argue that small amounts of lead can be harmful, especially to children.
General Mills has chosen not to comment on the ongoing litigation, while the lawsuit points out that other manufacturers produce non-poisonous chocolate products, highlighting the avoidable risk associated with Cocoa Puffs.
A recent report from George Washington University researchers revealed that some cocoa products in the U.S. contain heavy metals above safety guidelines, including lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
Consumer Reports also found concerning levels of heavy metals in chocolate products, prompting calls for companies like Hershey to reduce these amounts. The issue of heavy metals in chocolate has been ongoing for nearly a decade.
Despite these legal challenges, the National Confectioners Association maintains that chocolate and cocoa products are safe to eat, emphasizing food safety and product quality as top priorities.
This is not the first time General Mills has faced legal issues, as a previous lawsuit regarding pesticide levels in Cheerios was dropped soon after being filed.
Legal issues regarding food labeling are common, but they take on added significance when products are marketed towards children, as seen with the concerns raised about lead levels in snacks like Lil’ Puffs from Lesser Evil.