Cd Talks: Improving Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing to Support Management of Cadmium Levels In Cocoa.

Abstract

The IICA and the ICCO lead a project focused on improving the management of cadmium levels in cocoa in Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizing compliance with European regulations. This project is being implemented in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago, addressing components such as the standardization of protocols for laboratories, soil research, and measures to reduce cadmium levels in cocoa beans. The webinar includes two presentations. The first, titled "Cadmium in Food and Regulations to Protect Human Health," discusses the strict cadmium limits in cocoa-derived products established by the European Union to protect consumer health. The maximum allowable levels range from 0.1 to 0.8 mg/kg depending on the type of chocolate, with a focus on products with higher cocoa content. These regulations reflect the high chocolate consumption in Europe, which accounts for 50% of the global demand. While the Codex Alimentarius also regulates cadmium in food, its limits are less stringent. This discrepancy poses challenges for Latin American producers, who must adapt their practices to access the European market. The second presentation, titled "Cadmium and Soils," explains that cadmium in the soil originates from natural sources and human activities such as mining, agrochemicals, and industrial waste. Cocoa plants absorb cadmium, accumulating it in leaves and fruits, creating a persistent cycle of contamination. Studies in Colombia and Peru reveal that factors such as the use of fertilizers, guano, and geographical characteristics (proximity to rivers) contribute to high cadmium levels in cocoa beans. The project aims to identify these sources and propose practical solutions to reduce contamination, safeguarding both market access and the sustainability of production.