Spectrometer simplifies cadmium in chocolate analysis - company

By Rory Harrington

- Last updated on GMT

Thermo Fisher Scientific said it has developed a new, simple and accurate method for analysing the presence of cadmium in chocolate.

The company said its iCE 3500 atomic absorption spectrometer allows simple analysis of the trace element. Its innovative Graphite Furnace TeleVision (GFTV) capability helps method development as sample deposition and sample drying can be viewed in real-time inside the cuvette, said Thermo Fisher.

The system also comes equipped with SOLAAR software enables easy method development.

The method is detailed in an application which is available to download at www.thermoscientific.com/App-Note-43034

According to the application note, samples were analysed following a simple digestion procedure, and matrix matched standards were used to accurately determine cadmium concentration.

The GFTV enabled easy optimisation of the position of the injection capillary and allowed visualization of the deposition of the sample into the cuvette, ensuring accuracy and repeatability, said the company. The wizard-driven SOLAAR software enabled quick and easy furnace optimization and method development.

Experimental results revealed that cadmium was accurately detected in all analyzed chocolate samples at concentration levels well below recommended limits for cadmium in foodstuffs”,​ said Thermo Fisher.

Cadmium is a heavy metal used in a number of industrial activities which can cause it to be released into the environment where it can accumulate in water, soil and enter the food chain through animal ingestion of plants. Humans can be exposed through this route. The main ingredients in chocolate include milk, cocoa and fats, and each is a potential source of cadmium, so chocolate samples should be analyzed accurately to ensure consumer safety, said the company.

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