Hong Kong consumer watchdog warns of heavy metal traces in 29 chocolate samples tested, with 1 exceeding EU limits
- Consumer Council also points out both milk and dark chocolate considered ‘high-sugar’ food
- In separate tests on plant-based milk, it says nutrients in such products may not match those found in cow’s milk
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog on Monday revealed that all 29 chocolate samples it tested were found to contain traces of the heavy metal cadmium, with one batch exceeding permitted EU levels.
The Consumer Council said both milk and dark chocolate were considered “high-sugar foods” loaded with fatty content.
The watchdog’s survey also looked at plant-based milk. It warned that such products might not work as a complete substitute to nutrients available in cow’s milk.
“Prolonged intake of foods of high cadmium content might pose risks to kidney functions,” Kyrus Siu King-wai, chairman of the council’s publicity and community relations committee, said.
“Recent studies indicate that for an average adult, weekly chocolate intake should be limited to less than 100 grams [3.5 ounces].”
A total of 29 chocolate samples – 20 of the dark variety and nine milk types – were tested, with unit prices ranging from HK$1 (13 US cents) per 10 grams to HK$32. The council looked at the products’ stated nutritional values such as sugar, protein, and trans fat levels, as well as heavy metal and carcinogenic contaminant marks.
Hong Kong does not have a legal limit for cadmium in chocolate, so the council turned to standards set out in the European Commission Regulation for cocoa products.