KIND snack foods had a significant amount of lead in chocolate clusters, lawsuit claims

KIND, the popular snack and nutrition bar company, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to warn consumers about high levels of lead in one of its products.

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court by plaintiff Jade Burnett, claims that independent testing commissioned by Burnett’s lawyer found that KIND Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Clusters contain approximately 2.34 micrograms of lead per serving. This level is reportedly more than four times the maximum daily limit for reproductive toxicity under California’s Proposition 65, which is set at 0.5 micrograms.

Significant amounts of lead can impact hormones and reproductive elements in both men and women.

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment states that any product containing more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per day exceeds the Maximum Allowable Dose Level and must be labeled or identified.

The complaint alleges that KIND LLC marketed the granola clusters as a healthy snack made with “super grains” and other wholesome ingredients while omitting any warnings about lead contamination. According to the lawsuit, this omission constitutes deceptive advertising and violates California consumer protection laws.

Burnett contends that consumers were misled into believing the product was safe and nutritious. They argue that if they knew about the lead content, they either would not have purchased the clusters or would have paid less. The lawsuit seeks damages and injunctive relief requiring KIND to revise its labeling and marketing practices.

The proposed class action intends to represent all consumers who purchased the product in the past four years. The complaint requests a jury trial and aims to hold KIND accountable for allegedly misleading advertising, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment.

KIND has not publicly responded to the allegations, and the claims in the lawsuit have not yet been proven in court.

The Independent has contacted KIND representatives for comment.

The allegations arise amid growing concerns over heavy metals in chocolate and cocoa products. A 2022 Consumer Reports study found that many dark chocolate brands, including Hershey’s, Theo and Trader Joe’s, contain detectable levels of lead and cadmium, which can pose long-term health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. Experts warn that even low lead exposure may harm brain development, the nervous system and reproductive health.