In recent months, reports have raised concerns about lead and cadmium in chocolate, especially dark varieties. In this blog, we’ve broken down the key findings, what’s being done to address it, and how Choc Affair ensures your chocolate is both safe and delicious.
What the Recent Consumer Reports Reveal
You might’ve seen headlines about recent Consumer Reports findings on lead and cadmium in chocolate.
Here is a quick recap of what has been happening:
- What They Found: Scientists tested 72 dark chocolate products (2014–2022) and 28 bars (2022–2023), and have discovered concerning levels of lead and cadmium.
- Who’s at Risk: The report highlights risks for pregnant women and young kids, as these metals can affect brain development and IQ.
- What’s Happened Since: A group of U.S. consumers has filed a class-action lawsuit against brands with higher levels of these metals.
Protecting what matters: safe, delicious chocolate
The UK Food Standards Agency has previously investigated the levels of cadmium and lead, along with other metals, present in fruit and vegetables as well as the soil they are grown in, in the UK specifically. The 2010-2011 study showed levels of metals reported were not a cause for concern in terms of risk to human health, and that current advice on how to wash and prepare fruits and vegetables remains the same.
What this shows us, is that the various health-related governmental bodies are on top of monitoring lead and cadmium levels in food and drink products sold in the UK. As a British manufacturer of chocolate, we keep up to date with regulatory developments and regularly review our own sourcing and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Our commitment to quality and safety means that we work closely with suppliers to ensure the raw materials we use, including cocoa, meet stringent testing protocols. This proactive approach helps us deliver products that our customers can enjoy with confidence.
“We want to reassure our customers that Choc Affair takes every step to minimise lead and cadmium in our dark chocolate products. Thanks to our single-origin cocoa beans, we know exactly where they come from and ensure they’re tested and analysed before they reach us.”
Linda, Founder
How Do Lead and Cadmium End Up in Chocolate?
Lead and cadmium can get into chocolate at different stages – from the farm to the final product. Here’s how:
Soil contamination
Cadmium is naturally found in soil, especially in areas with volcanic activity like Latin America, West Africa and Southeast Asia. Cocoa plants absorb it through their roots, which can build up in the beans. Lead can also be in the soil, but it’s less commonly absorbed by the plants compared to cadmium.
Environmental pollution
It’s possible that cocoa beans may become contaminated with lead from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust or mining activities in the growing area. This contamination can settle on the beans or in nearby soil and water.
Post-harvest handling
Lead contamination can happen while cocoa beans are dried, stored or transported – especially if they’re dried outdoors in areas with airborne lead from roads or factories.
Processing and manufacturing
During chocolate production, lead can leach through old equipment, machinery or packaging materials with lead-based pigments. Cadmium contamination is much less common during manufacturing, as it is more likely to be introduced at the farming level.
Why is dark chocolate more likely to be contaminated?
Dark chocolate is more likely to have lead and cadmium because it’s packed with more cocoa solids – the parts of the cocoa bean that are left after the cocoa butter is extracted.
Since contaminants like cadmium and lead can be present in cocoa, the higher the cocoa content, the higher the chance of contamination. That’s why dark chocolate, with its richer cocoa makeup, faces a bigger risk than milk chocolate or other cocoa-based products.
What Are the EU’s ‘Safe’ Limits for Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate?
The EU has strict rules to keep lead and cadmium levels in chocolate safe for everyone, especially kids. These limits, set under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, vary based on the cocoa content of the product:
Cadmium Limits:
- Under 30% cocoa solids: Max 0.10 mg/kg
- 30–50% cocoa solids: Max 0.30 mg/kg
- Over 50% cocoa solids (dark chocolate): Max 0.80 mg/kg
Lead Limits:
- Lead limits range from 0.10–0.20 mg/kg, depending on the cocoa content and the target consumers (stricter for kids’ products).
These thresholds are designed to minimise health risks while ensuring chocolate lovers can still enjoy their treats safely.
How Choc Affair Keeps Lead and Cadmium Levels in Check
At Choc Affair, we’re all about crafting responsibly sourced, sustainably made chocolate that tastes incredible. To make sure every bite is as safe as it is delicious, we partner with our trusted cocoa farmers at Luker.
Luker has obtained essential certifications over the years, such as FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) and NTC-ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for the Determination of Cadmium content and the Detection of Salmonella SPP in Cocoa and Chocolate products by ONAC (National Accreditation Organisation of Colombia).
They go the extra mile to monitor heavy metals like lead and cadmium in their cocoa beans:
Cocoa beans analysis: 100% of farmed cocoa beans are analysed for cadmium. Luker also carries out a bi-annual analysis for lead presence on a randomly selected sample of cocoa beans from the different growing regions.
Production control: Luker uses advanced technology, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy – a technique that detects even tiny traces of metals by analysing how light interacts with the beans. Backed up by a thorough testing plan, they check that cadmium levels stay well within safe limits at every step of production, including milling, storage, blending and the final product itself.
Control capabilities: Luker has also invested in a cutting edge cadmium and lead control laboratory using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) methodology (i.e. liquefied cocoa beans are introduced to a flame to atomise metals, using light absorption to measure their concentration).
It’s just one more way we here at Choc Affair make sure our chocolate is as good for you as it is for the planet.
Chocolate Should Always Be a Joy, Not a Worry
The safety and quality of chocolate is a serious matter, especially with recent concerns about lead and cadmium. At Choc Affair, we’re committed to delivering chocolate that’s not just delicious but responsibly crafted and thoroughly tested.
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FAQs
What is cadmium, and why is it harmful?
Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can be absorbed by cocoa plants from the soil, particularly in regions with volcanic or mineral-rich soils. It accumulates in cocoa beans and becomes concentrated in dark chocolate due to its high cocoa content. Long-term cadmium exposure can pose health risks, including kidney damage and weakened bones. Managing cadmium levels in chocolate involves careful sourcing, soil management and adherence to regulatory limits for food safety.
Can contamination occur in organic chocolate as well?
Yes, contamination can occur in organic chocolate. While organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, heavy metals like lead and cadmium can still be absorbed naturally from the soil, environmental pollution or contaminated water. Organic certification doesn’t guarantee immunity from these metals, so testing and sourcing are still key for safety.
How do EU limits compare to regulations in the U.S. or other regions?
EU limits for lead and cadmium in chocolate are stricter than U.S. regulations, focusing on minimising exposure, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. The EU has specific thresholds based on cocoa content, while U.S. guidelines tend to be less detailed, allowing for higher levels in some cases.
Should I stop eating dark chocolate altogether?
There’s no need to stop eating dark chocolate entirely. While contamination is possible, reputable companies take steps to minimise heavy metals, ensuring their products stay within safe limits. Enjoying dark chocolate in moderation and choosing brands that test for contaminants is a good way to stay safe.
What should I look for when buying chocolate to ensure it’s safe?
Always check that the chocolate maker uses beans that have been tested for heavy metals and are sourced responsibly, like we do at Choc Affair. Certifications like organic or Fair Trade don’t guarantee low contamination, so check for rigorous testing and adherence to safety standards like those set by the EU.