Estudio de Línea Base de las Concentraciones de Metales Pesados en Chocolate en Polvo Comercializado en Guayaquil, Ecuador

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination has been demonstrated in cocoa in Ecuador. The impact of this contamination on powdered chocolate for national consumption has not, however, been studied. This study's objective was to generate a baseline of arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentration in powdered chocolate marketed in Guayaquil. To execute this study, chocolate samples were acquired in the north, center, and south of the city in stores and supermarkets. The three most popular brands were chosen and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite furnace. Lead was not detectable in the chocolate; arsenic was found at low levels in Brand-1 (0.030 ± 0.021 mg / kg) and in Brand-3 (0.060 ± 0.034 mg / kg). On the contrary, cadmium was found in all chocolate brands, with concentrations of 0.236 ± 0.082 mg/kg in Brand-1 and 0.169 ± 0.066 mg/kg in Brand-2.  Brand-3 exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 0.600 mg/kg according to European regulations with 1.440 ± 0.212 mg/kg, representing a risk for consumers.