Chocolate News
Why chocolate cravings strike a week or two before a menstrual period
NEWSSCIENTIST.COM Premenstrual cravings for sugary or salty food may be caused by inflammation. A study suggests that women who have high levels of inflammatory markers in their blood a week or two before they start their period are more likely to crave food like chocolate. However, another researcher says inflammation may not be driving these cravings, with unknown factors potentially being involved.How to Avoid Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate
We all likely still remember the (bad) news from this past December: A Consumer Reports investigation found 23 of the 28 dark chocolates from different brands they tested contained harmful levels of lead and cadmium. The results of the investigation made the rounds over mainstream media and is still very much in the minds of those who love the sweet treat—especially with Valentine’s Day barely behind us and Easter looming ahead. It’s important to note that the Consumer Reports’ investigation was not peer-reviewed, nor did it contain large amounts of evidence. However, it does show eerily similar levels of heavy metals compared to a study published by the FDA in 2018 as well as other peer-reviewed studies dating back to 2005. These heavy metals are dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up dark chocolate entirely. Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting these dangerous heavy metals in your system (click HERE to learn more).
UK: Thief admits stealing thousands of chocolate Easter eggs
A man who prosecutors said broke into a U.K. industrial park to steal almost 200,000 chocolate Easter eggs has pleaded guilty to theft and criminal damage. Prosecutors said Tuesday that the thief used a metal grinder to break through a gate at an industrial park in Telford, central England, on Saturday, then used a stolen semi truck to tow away a trailer loaded with Cadbury Creme Eggs and other chocolate goods worth more than 31,000 pounds ($38,000).
Mars Wrigley fined by OSHA after workers fell into vat of chocolate
Mars Wrigley was fined by federal workplace safety authorities in response to an incident last year in which two workers fell into a vat of chocolate. The central Pennsylvania confectionary factory will now be required to pay more than $14,500 over the accident from June. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Mars Wrigley in the accident at the Elizabethtown M&M/Mars factory. The agency said the workers were not authorized to work in the tanks and had not been trained on the proper safety procedures for the equipment. According to officials, two workers employed by an outside contracting firm fell into the partially filled chocolate tank as they were conducting maintenance work. Emergency personnel responded to the facility and were able to free the workers by cutting a hole in the bottom of the tank.
Happy Valentine’s Day! February 14, 2023