Cocoa powder and chocolate products are known to sometimes contain cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) from environmental origins. A convenience sample of cocoa powder, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and cocoa nib products was purchased in a small survey at retail in the United States and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to assess Cd and Pb concentrations.  Cd and Pb concentrations were evaluated in relation to the percent cocoa solids and to the reported origin of the cocoa powder and chocolate products. Cd and Pb concentrations in the cocoa powder and chocolate products ranged from 0.004-3.15 mg/kg and 0.002-0.38 mg/kg, respectively.  Cd and Pb concentrations increased with increasing percent cocoa solids content, and cocoa powder with the highest percent cocoa solids content also contained the highest mean Cd and Pb concentrations.  As reported in other studies, geographic variation was observed for Cd concentrations, with higher Cd concentrations found in products reported as originating from Latin America than from Africa. The influence of percent cocoa solids and cocoa origin on Cd levels are relevant to international standards for Cd in chocolate products.  The presentation will provide updates on various maximum levels and codes of practice relevant to Pb and Cd in cocoa beans and chocolate under consideration at Codex Alimentarius.<br/>

Survey of cadmium and lead in cocoa powder and chocolate products in the U.S. market

2019 Fall National Meeting

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