Dados do Trabalho

Título

Nickel content in bean-to-bar and industrial chocolates marketed in Brazil

Introdução

Chocolate is a food obtained from cacao beans that is appreciated and consumed worldwide. Its high content of polyphenols and other constituents is associated with various health benefits. However, there is severe global concern about the presence of metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As) in cocoa and chocolates, which may pose risks to human health.

Material e Métodos

This study evaluated the nickel content in 23 different brands of chocolate sold in Brazil. Among the samples analyzed, 16 were bean-to-bar chocolates produced in the southern region of Bahia, and large multinational companies produced the other seven. The chocolates were purchased in markets in Bahia and Minas Gerais States. The samples were digested in nitric-perchloric solution, and the nickel content was quantified using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP- OES). The samples were analyzed in triplicate.

Resultados e Discussão

The nickel content in bean-to-bar chocolates ranged from 0.35 ± 0.03 mg/kg to 7.80 ± 0.30 mg/kg, while the average nickel content in industrial chocolates ranged from 0.70 ± 0.01 mg/kg to 5.37 ± 0.24 mg/kg. Maximum permitted limits for nickel have not yet been established in Brazil. However, the European Commission Recommendation (EU) states that milk chocolate with ≥ 30% total dry cocoa solids and chocolate should contain up to 7.0 mg/kg of nickel. In 2020, EFSA indicated an acceptable daily intake of 13 μg/kg body weight for nickel. This study indicates that chocolates sold in Brazil contain nickel in their composition.

Conclusão

Of the samples analyzed, only one brand of chocolate had a nickel content above the value determined by the EU, but further research should be carried out to determine criteria for Brazilian legislation to ensure the permitted nickel content.