Determination of lead and cadmium in samples of chocolates and cocoa sold in latakia markets


Abstract in English

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..

References used

American Environmental Safety Institute. .Lead in chocolate: the impact on children’s health. Fact Sheet-May 2002.. Accessed 4 Aug 2011
Anderson, H. Law Suit Filed over Toxic Metals in Chocolate. United Press International, Inc. Top News(2002). Retrieved, March 16, 2011
Canfield, RL; Henderson, CR; Cory-Slechta, DA; Cox, C; Jusko, TA; Lanphear, BP. "Intellectual impairment in children with blood lead concentrations below 10 microg per deciliter". The New England Journal of Medicine 348 (16): (2003) 1517–1526

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