CADMIUM IN THE CHOCOLATE SUPPLY

YOU’VE PROBABLY BEEN SEEING A LOT ABOUT CADMIUM IN THE NEWS RECENTLY.

Cadmium and its compounds are highly toxic and exposure is known to cause cancer. It is primarily associated with human lung, prostate, and kidney cancers, and recently pancreatic cancer. It has also been associated with cancers of the breast and urinary bladder.

Fortunately the cacao × chocolate we've been sourcing through @sevachocolate and @tchochocolate has been lab tested to contain safe levels of Cd and Pb. (A big YAY here ✨️💛🤌)

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is found naturally in volcanic soil. It is absorbed in higher quantities by old cacao trees. Fortunately, through using heirloom genetic varieties in non volcanic soil it seems that dangerous cadmium levels can be avoided. According to cacao expert Greg Sheldon, cadmium levels are lower for cacao trees that grow wild in their native habitat in Ecuador. 🍫.

Furthermore, the natural lead/cad levels are directly tied to farming practices. So in a more developed agroforestry system there is more cycling carbon that buffers the Ph of the soils, limiting the uptake of these and other metals. In contrast to more “modern” practices and cultivars that plant in high density and low diversity with the addition of agrochemical inputs. Lead simply comes from processing contamination and is avoided in higher quality cacao.

Big brands like Trader Joe's, Tony's, Hu (Mondelez) and Hershey simply can't put as much effort into sourcing since low cost is priority. If you're gonna eat their chocolate just be sure to not consume more than an ounce a day. Just be careful- it's not a reason to quit chocolate overall.

So the old adage still applies… know your sources and pay more for the good stuff to avoid many ills. Generally supporting small brands is better <3