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The article was published on August 14, 2024, and updated on November 29, 2024
On November 28, 2024, the TFDA released the amended Sanitation Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. The amended regulation includes maximum levels of cadmium in chocolate and cocoa powder. Additionally, it specifies that soybeans and peanuts, due to their lower moisture content, are exempt from the fresh weight requirement.
On August 14, 2024, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced draft amendments to the Sanitation Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food, proposing new maximum levels of cadmium in chocolate and cocoa powder. These amendments are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Stakeholders may submit comments within 60 days following the announcement date.
Back to November 2023, the TFDA proposed draft maximum levels of cadmium in chocolate products with a total cocoa solids content exceeding 50%. After reviewing feedback from the public consultation, the TFDA reassessed and expanded the regulatory scope. The current amendments cover chocolate products with varying cocoa solids content, aiming to control cadmium contamination risks across a wider range of chocolate products.
The proposed new maximum levels of cadmium in chocolate and cocoa powder are as follows:
Food | Maximum Levels of Cadmium (mg/kg) | |
Chocolate, with total cocoa solids content (on dry matter basis) | 20% ≤ content＜30% | 0.3 |
30% ≤ content＜50% | 0.7 | |
50% ≤ content＜70% | 0.8 | |
content ≧70% | 0.9 | |
Cocoa powder | 2.0 | |
Notes:
"Chocolate" refers to solid products made from cocoa ingredients such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder, or cocoa mass. These products may contain sugar, milk, or food additives but must not have any fillings. The minimum total cocoa solids content in chocolate is in line with its labeling requirements. Filled chocolates and chocolate spreads are not subject to this regulation.
"Cocoa powder" is produced by pressing cocoa mass to remove cocoa butter or by grinding roasted cocoa kernels. It contains 100% total cocoa solids. Therefore, the proposed maximum levels do not apply to cocoa powder drinks that include other ingredients, such as milk powder or sugar.
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