Trader Joe's Secures Legal Victory in Dark Chocolate Lawsuit

A judge dismissed most claims against the grocery chain, ruling the lawsuit did not prove the products posed a health risk.

Trader Joe's wins a legal victory as a judge dismisses most of a lawsuit over heavy metals in its dark chocolate products.
The lawsuit accused Trader Joe's of failing to disclose harmful levels of lead and cadmium in its dark chocolate bars.
U.S. District Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro ruled that the lawsuit did not prove the products posed a safety hazard or were unfit to eat.
Claims under California consumer protection laws were dismissed, but claims under Illinois, New York, and Washington laws can proceed.
The lawsuit was prompted by a Consumer Reports study that found potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium in dark chocolate bars from various manufacturers.