Who is Hershey's CEO? NY man sues brand for $5M as tests shows presence of toxic metals in chocolate bars
DERRY TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA: Christopher Lazazzaro, a Nassau County native, has sued famous chocolate brand Hershey's, claiming that the company continues to market products that contain harmful levels of lead and cadmium. The complainant filed the suit on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, and said that he wouldn't have purchased the company's dark chocolate bars if it had listed the metal contents on its labels.
According to Daily Mail, Lazazzaro is now seeking $5 million which also has at least $500 per transaction under New York law. Lazazzaro claimed that the company's Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70 percent Cocoa bars and Lily’s Extreme Dark Chocolate 85 percent Cocoa bars have high levels of toxic metals. He further said that the excess metal levels would not impress reasonable consumers as they pose a "serious health risk."
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Meanwhile, there currently is no national limit on lead and cadmium in chocolate bars set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, consistent exposure to heavy metals might lead to complex health issues, such as the increased risk of kidney and brain damage, bone and lung diseases, and anemia, as per Daily Mail. Further, exposure to lead is extremely dangerous specifically to children. It can affect the growth and development of the brain, nervous system, and other vital organs. It can also cause behavioral problems, IQ, and hyperactivity. On the other hand, Cocoa can lower blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.
Who is Hershey's CEO?
Michele Buck is the current President and CEO of The Hershey Company. According to thehersheycompany.com, Buck "served as Chief Operating Officer, leading Hershey’s day-to-day North American operations and overseeing Hershey’s operations in Central and South America." She also has 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience and is Hershey’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and 12th President and Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, Buck served 17 years at Kraft/Nabisco in various capacities. Buck began her career at Frito-Lay as an associate brand manager.
According to her LinkedIn, Buck is the first female President and CEO of the company and is on the Board of Directors at New York Life, a Fortune 100 Company. Before becoming the CEO of The Hershey Company, she has been the SVP Global Marketing Officer, SVP Global growth officer, SVP President North America, and EVP Chief Operating Officer of the company.
Buck is a native of central Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor’s degree at Shippensburg University and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.