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Cadmium in chocolate: Let's set the record straight

Cadmium and chocolate: simple explanations, EU thresholds, controls in France and analysis results. Our chocolates are well below the limits.

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The presence of cadmium in soils has been known for many years. The subject occasionally crops up in the press, often presented in an alarming light, whereas in reality it is an issue that is already widely covered in France.

Cadmium is a metal naturally present in the soil, particularly in South America. All crops grown in the soil can contain cadmium: cocoa, of course, but also bananas, mushrooms and cereals.

In France, health agencies closely monitor the agri-food sector and impose strict regulations. Analyses carried out by our cocoa importer show a level of LOWER TENFOLD to the authorized limit. So we're well within the standards.

For example, at Basile et Téa, a 70 kg person would need to consume around four 100 g bars of dark chocolate at 70 % to reach the acceptable daily intake.

The European Union has regulated the presence of cadmium in chocolate since 2014, with Regulation (EU) No. 488/2014, applied since 2019. Here are the maximum levels set:

These thresholds are rigorously applied throughout the European Union. Chocolate makers, both artisanal and industrial, are subject to regular checks, notably during official export analyses. Since 2019, cases of exceedance have been extremely rare.

The idea that organic chocolates from Latin America are systematically contaminated with cadmium is a misleading generalization. This metal is indeed present in some soils, particularly in volcanic areas, but not only in Latin America. Concentrations vary greatly from one region to another: some areas of Ecuador or Peru, for example, have very low levels, below 0.2 mg/kg. Geographical origin alone does not determine cadmium content.

It's also important to remember that organic or sustainable chocolate avoids pesticide and glyphosate residues, commonly used in intensive cocoa farming, particularly in Africa. According to Anses, the main sources of cadmium in the French diet are not chocolate, but bread, vegetables and potatoes grown with cadmium-rich phosphate fertilizers.

So, while organic or sustainable agriculture is sometimes wrongly criticized, it's essential to put things into perspective: as part of a balanced diet, chocolate has its place, provided it's consumed in moderation. Our chocolates Basile and Téa comply strictly with European regulations and are perfectly safe for consumers.

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