Studies have shown that cadmium levels in cacao can vary widely depending on the source of the cacao beans and growing conditions. Some cacao products have been found to contain high levels of cadmium, while others have been found to have very little. The European Union has set a maximum limit of:

• 0.1 mg/kg for cadmium in Milk chocolate with <30% total dry cacao solids
• 0.3 mg/kg for cadmium in chocolate with <50% total dry cacao solids
• 0.8 mg/kg for cadmium in chocolate with >50% total dry cacao solids