In response to the stringent MRLs for cadmium content in cocoa and chocolate products imported into the EU, the Cadmium in Cocoa project is designed to facilitate the flow of knowledge from expertise in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Trinidad & Tobago, as well as globally, to improve the current state of knowledge and best practices in the LAC cocoa value chains to mitigate against cadmium in cocoa from the region. The project will focus on harmonization of testing protocols, training at the technical and extension levels, deciphering main causes of Cadmium contamination in hot spots and recommend remediate/mitigate strategies, communication and raising awareness through improved collaboration and information sharing and establishing Cd mitigation principles in national cocoa sector plans.

To support countries (Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Trinidad) to develop a pathway to meet the international regulations regarding cadmium concentrations in cocoa-derived products that can be adopted by other fine and flavour cocoa producing countries in LAC.