The distributor of my cacao powder says it checks for "metal fragments" in its products. Is this adequate to check for heavy metals, like cadmium and lead, that you've found in cocoas and chocolates?

Thank you for testing the two chocolate products I consume regularly. Alarmed by the cadmium content of both, I did some research and found the following.

-From the US CDC 2012 statement about cadmium:

Most of the cadmium that enters your body goes to your kidney and liver and can remain there for many years. A small portion of the cadmium that enters your body leaves slowly in urine and feces.
Your body can change most cadmium to a form that is not harmful, but too much cadmium can overload the ability of your liver and kidney to change the cadmium to a harmless form.

-From the article “Zinc and multi-mineral supplementation should mitigate the pathogenic impact of cadmium exposure” (PubMed):

Fortunately, iron sufficiency and ample dietary intakes of calcium, magnesium, and zinc can impede absorption of dietary Cd, both by down-regulating intestinal expression of mineral transporters, and by directly competing with Cd for access to these transporters. Correction of iron deficiency appears to be of particular importance for controlling Cd absorption.
Moreover, zinc supplementation can counteract the toxicity of Cd already in the body via induction of metallothionein, which binds Cd avidly via its sulfhydryl groups; so long as it remains sequestered in this form, Cd is innocuous.

Although I’m moderating my consumption out of an abundance of caution, I feel better knowing that my iron status is fine and my intake of the minerals mentioned is adequate.

I contacted various manufacturers of cacao nibs to ask for the heavy metal content. One company sent me the 'certificate of analysis & data sheet' which included info about heavy metals, and also mold / bacteria / pesticides. The analysis showed low levels of heavy metals and that is now the brand I buy. (I can supply the name of the company if that is allowed). I suggest you shop around and the manufacturers may get the message that they need to test their product and provide the information to consumers.

Nickel is another problematic ingredient in some of these cacao powders and nibs. At least, personally for me it has been. In fact, my first huge outbreak of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (that ended up being allergy against certain metals like nickel and chromium), happened during a period in which I was mixing cacoa powder into my morning yogurt.