Does chocolate, especially Hershey's chocolate, have arsenic in it?

Question

This is something my MIL keeps saying and it is making me crazy! I tried to find something on the web to refute it, but I couldn't. Supposedly some lady who was a chef told her this stuff, so she is now freaking my kids out about Hershey's! Any ideas where this idea might have come from?

I am not talking about dogs and theobromine. I know that chocolate has that in it. I am wondering about arsenic which has nothing to do with what can hurt dogs. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, it's a natural form of arsenic and is not harmful to humans. Dogs however, their metabolism works a little different and it is not good for them.

Answer 2

The folks saying "absolute not it would be illegal" etc are misinformed.
The arsenic is not added deliberately but it is present in trace amounts in many food stuffs - shellfish in particular and yes, trace amounts (perfectly harmless) can be found in chocolate particularly dark chocolate which has (typically) a higher cocoa content.

So technically she is perfectly right - but the amount - a few micrograms per large bar - is not sufficient to cause any symptoms.

Trace elements can be found in many foods - including gold, platinum, cadmium, lead, mercury and many many others. Typically though these are also in the micrograms or nanograms levels so harmless.

Answer 3

No, it does not. Not in any way, shape or form. Your MIL is a flake. It might be a good idea to suggest to her that terrorizing children like that is cruel, hence illegal.

Answer 4

Absolutely not! If it did, consumption of large amounts would cause severe stomach pain and irritation. Not to mention that would be illegal.

Answer 5

Yes, yes it does. It has Old Lace also. Who'd a thunk it.

Answer 6

no indeed! That is illegal! Your MIL is whacked.

Answer 7

sometimes,