Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury dominated the news last year when elevated levels were found in some batches of baby food and infant formula. But now a new study by Consumer Reports finds high levels of cadmium and lead in certain brands of chocolate bars
Consumer reports tested 28 different dark chocolate bars from a mix of brands. The study used California's maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead (0.5 ug/day) and cadmium (4.1 ug/day). Cadmium and lead were found present in all 28 bars. For 23 of the bars, eating just an ounce a day would put an adult over a level that public health authorities and CR's experts say may be harmful for at least one of those heavy metals. Five of these 23 bars were above those levels for both cadmium and lead, with one having a cadmium level at 229% of the MADL, and another having a lead level of 265% of the MADL
Even if you aren't a frequent consumer of chocolate, lead and cadmium can still be a concern. It can be found in many other common food -such as sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots-and small amounts from multiple sources can add up to dangerous levels. So how and where do these metals end up in dark chocolate and other foods? For chocolate, the source of cadmium is the bioaccumulation by the cocoa tree of naturally occurring cadmium in the soil. The cadmium tends to concentrate in the cocoa bean, generally in the cocoa bean solids. Lead on the other hand appears to get into cacao after beans are harvested, principally from environmental sources such as lead laden dust and soil.
So, what does this study and those of baby foods and infant formula point to? The sources of the metals resulted from the natural bioaccumulation of those metal elements found in the soil, and from surrounding environmental sources. These cautionary tales highlight the importance of routinely assessing naturally occurring ingredients used in food, pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, cosmetics and other products for trace and heavy metals as well as other potential impurities and contaminants.
How Quantum Can Help
Quantum has expansive capabilities for the analysis of trace metals and elemental impurities. And, our scientists have a wide breath of experience and knowledge in the application of atomic absorption and atomic emission spectroscopy. We have over 30 years of experience in the use and application of these analytical techniques, and with the many sample preparation techniques, which include various wet digestion, ashing and microwave digestion methods. Our laboratories maintain a full complement of instrument capabilities which include flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption (AAS), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission (ICP-AES or ICP-OES) and inductively couple plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments. These capabilities allow us to perform testing not only using ICP-AES or ICP-MS , but also the many numerous compendial methods (i.e. USP, NF, FCC, EP, AOAC) that require flame or graphite furnace AAS..
Quantum provides comprehensive analytical testing in support of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, personal care products, cosmetics, consumer products, foods, electronics, dietary supplements and dietary ingredients . These include the testing of ingredients, intermediates, raw materials, in-process samples and finished products for trace and heavy metals originating from process equipment, catalysts or found present naturally.
QUANTUM Analytics Group Solves Problems. Our approach is to work closely with each client collaboratively, handling every project with personal care, and giving every client one-on-one attention. Then, through this collaborative approach, and our unique blend of experience and expertise, we focus on providing accurate, efficient and consistent data and results to address and resolve question with trace and heavy metals that impact your products.
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