This study estimated the levels of lead and cadmium in 12 chocolate and cocoa
samples from latakia markets by atomic absorption spectrometry . Most of the samples,
were well known Syrian trademarks.
The results showed that concentration of lead in
samples of dark chocolate ranged
between 0.061 and 0.49 mg\ kg ,and in samples of cocoa between 0,10 and 0,51 mg\ kg,
but it was much less 0.01 - 0. 16 mg\ kg in white chocolate and Imported chocolates.
concentration of cadmium in samples of dark chocolate ranged between 0.01 and 0.24 mg\
kg and in samples of cocoa between 0.03 and 0.231 mg\ kg. but it was also less in white
chocolate and imported chocolates 0.01 - 0.051 mg\ kg.
The results indicated that dark chocolates have higher concentrations of lead and
cadmium than white chocolates and that the levels of lead and cadmium are generally
higher than the common levels in developed countries ,and thus. might be a significant
source of lead and cadmium ingestion, Raw materials should be checked before use for
metal contents in order to decrease the concentrations of these metals in final chocolate
products..
