Determination of Toxic Heavy Metals in Chocolate Confectionery Wrappers used by Sri Lankan Chocolate Manufacturers and It's Migration to Chocolates, Under Different Storage Conditions

Chocolate is one of the most popular confectioneries consumed by all age groups. Among them children are the most attracted group of consuming chocolates and, at the same time the most vulnerable for toxic metals. Toxic metals can accumulate in the body even consumption of small amount of metals, leading to neurotoxin, carcinogenic, and brain disorders. Due to their frequent hand-to-mouth behavior, children can be easily ingested by toxic metals. Considering this major risk, it is significant to asses the toxic metals that could be present in chocolates and its wrappers.48 samples were analyzed to determine the total Chromium, Nickel, Arsenic, Cadmium, Antimony and Lead. Samples were stored under room temperature and refrigerated conditions and acid digested and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Total Chromium, Nickel, Antimony and Lead were detected in higher concentrations in chocolate confectionery wrappers, and found in low concentrations in chocolates. Arsenic and Cadmium were not detected neither in chocolates nor wrappers. There were no significant difference between the concentrations in room temperature stored chocolates (30-31 centigrade), and refrigerated chocolates (10-12 centigrade), but the migration of toxic metals are more favorable in room temperature.