Brussels, 12/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - Minimum levels of cadmium in chocolate, chocolate products and infant formula were drawn up on Monday 12 May by the European Commission in an effort to protect the health of our youngest citizens. The scientific recommendation by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in 2009 recommended lowering limits on exposure to this heavy metal. In an effort to tackle other areas of exposure, such as in cereals, potatoes and vegetables, the Commission adopted a recommendation for the gradual reduction of exposure in member states.
Three maximum levels have been set for chocolate, where the strictest maximum levels apply to chocolate varieties mostly eaten by children. A maximum level is also set for cocoa powder destined for direct consumption. The transitional period has been foreseen to allow cocoa producing countries in the chocolate industry to adapt to these new levels, which will apply from 1 January 2019. New maximum levels have also been set to several categories of infant formula, which apply from 1 January 2015 onwards.
Until now, legislation (Regulation 1881/2006 setting out the value limits for certain contaminants in foodstuffs) did not set out any value limits for contaminants in chocolate and chocolate products. For non-smokers, food is the main source of exposure to cadmium, a heavy metal contained in industrial and agricultural sources and other natural foodstuffs. Its accumulation in the human body can have harmful effects on health and produce problems such as kidney disease. (AN)