Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has uncovered troubling findings in a new test of 29 chocolate products, revealing one dark chocolate bar with cadmium levels 17% above the European Union’s safety threshold and widespread discrepancies between nutrition labels and actual content.
The watchdog collected samples—20 dark chocolates and nine milk chocolates—from supermarkets, department stores, specialty shops, and grocery retailers. Their analysis, published in the 564th issue of Choice magazine, examined heavy metals, carcinogens, and nutritional accuracy across popular brands.
Cadmium Contamination Raises Kidney Health Concerns
Among the dark chocolate samples, cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.039 mg to 0.937 mg per kilogram—a 23-fold difference. The worst performer was Amedei’s “Blanco De Criollo Extra Dark Chocolate 70%”, which contained 0.937 mg/kg, exceeding the EU’s maximum limit of 0.8 mg/kg by 17.1%.
“Long-term consumption of cadmium-rich foods can damage the kidneys,” the report warned. Seven milk chocolates also contained cadmium, though all remained within safe limits.
Carcinogens Detected but Within Limits
Twenty-three samples—15 dark and eight milk varieties—tested positive for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) , a group of carcinogenic compounds formed during cocoa bean processing. The total PAH levels ranged from 0.2 to 2.9 micrograms per kilogram. Eight samples specifically contained benzo[a]pyrene, another known carcinogen, but none exceeded EU safety caps.
Lead was detected in all 20 dark chocolates, with levels varying sixfold, while nine samples contained arsenic. All heavy metal results fell under regulatory limits.
Nutrition Labels Mislead by Over 100%
Perhaps most alarming for health-conscious consumers, several products misrepresented their fat content dramatically.
The Millésime “Chocolat Équateur Noir 70%” topped the charts for both total and saturated fat—but not in a good way. Its actual total fat was 23% higher than the label claimed, while its saturated fat content exceeded the stated value by a staggering 129.3%.
Similarly, Domori’s “Cacao Criollo 70% Porcelana Dark Chocolate” and Lucullus’s “73% Dark Chocolate Bar” reported saturated fat levels 80% and 34.4% higher than labelled, respectively.
Five-Star Picks for Safer Indulgence
Despite the concerns, the Council identified several products that passed all safety and accuracy checks with top ratings:
Dark Chocolate:
- Divine Deliciously Smooth Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
- Lindt Excellence MILD 70% Cocoa Mild Dark Chocolate
- Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate
- Valor 70% Dark Chocolate No Sugar Added
- Venchi Montezuma Nibs 75% Cocoa Extra Dark Chocolate with Roasted Cocoa Nibs
Milk Chocolate:
- Lindt Swiss Classic Swiss Milk Chocolate
- Milka Alpine Milk Bar
- Coles Belgian Milk Chocolate
- Meadows Belgian Milk Chocolate
What Consumers Should Do
The findings highlight the importance of reading beyond the glossy packaging. Consumers who regularly eat dark chocolate—often chosen for its antioxidant benefits—may inadvertently consume excessive cadmium and hidden fats.
For peace of mind, the Council recommends varying chocolate brands, checking official test results before purchasing, and choosing products from the five-star list. The Hong Kong government may also consider updating local food regulations to align more closely with EU standards for heavy metals and labelling accuracy.
As chocolate lovers reach for their next bar, this report serves as a reminder: not all indulgences are created equal.