The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of the Republic of China announced today (14th) that it will establish cadmium control standards for chocolate, expanding to cover all types of chocolate, and adding cadmium standards for cocoa powder. The public notice period is 60 days, with the earliest implementation date set for January 1, 2025.
MOHW released a press release today stating that the draft amendment to the hygiene standards for pollutants and toxins in food proposes once again the cadmium limit for chocolate. On November 13, 2023, MOHW proposed a draft for chocolate products with a total cocoa solids content of over 50%. After receiving feedback from various sectors during the public notice period, the management scope has been expanded to include other categories of chocolate products. The case is open for a 60-day comment period starting today to gather opinions from various sectors.
MOHW indicated that chocolate contains cadmium, which is related to the variety of cocoa beans used, the growing environment, and the total cocoa solids content in the product. Therefore, international standards distinguish different management standards based on total cocoa solids content. As the daily consumption of chocolate is still limited, the Republic of China considers the need for necessary regulation on chocolate products to ensure food safety given the exposure risks and management requirements.
MOHW stated that as this is the second amendment notice, industries can foresee the enhanced cadmium control on chocolate products in the future. The public is also highly concerned about the issue of heavy metal content in chocolate. Balancing the urgency of maintaining public interest in food safety, the proposed revision is scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2025. At that time, all products on the market for sale must meet the new standards, not determined by the manufacturing date of the product, reminding relevant industries to prepare early for compliance.