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This study (purchase required) shows the potential for stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) to be used to verify whether the cocoa in bean-to-bar chocolate originated from the Amazon region.  Higher-sugar chocolate is too complex a product to test in this way.  Such tests will be important for checking compliance with future EU Deforestation Regulations. The proposed method can also be used to estimate the cocoa content of chocolate.

Chocolate is a complex product in terms of its carbon isotope distribution.  Cocoa, from a C₃-photosynthetic plant, is its main raw material, while sugar from sugarcane (C₄-metabolism) is also commonly included. The authors analyzed the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N composition of Brazilian chocolates, including Conventional, Bean-to-bar, and Imported brands across White, Milk, Semisweet, Dark <70 %, and Dark ≥70 % versions. They report that conventional White, Milk, and Semisweet chocolates showed no significant isotopic differences, with average δ¹³C values around −22 ‰, indicating high C₄-derived ingredient content. Bean-to-bar chocolates presented δ¹³C values 2–3 ‰ lower, and those made with Amazon cocoa were ∼1.5 ‰ lighter than those from Atlantic Forest, enabling accurate prediction of cocoa origin. Imported chocolates showed even lighter δ¹³C values, suggesting greater use of C₃-based ingredients. δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values also enabled reliable estimation of cocoa content.

Photo by Boudhayan Bardhan on Unsplash

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is warning members of the public not to buy or eat counterfeit ‘Wonka Bars’, which are being sold in shops and online across the country.

The counterfeit bars may be unsafe to eat, as there is a possibility that they are being produced or repackaged by unregistered businesses and by individuals who could be contravening food hygiene, labelling and traceability laws.

Some counterfeit Wonka Bars removed from sale have been found to contain allergens which weren’t listed on the label, posing a major health risk to anyone who suffers from a food allergy or intolerance.

The FSA’s warning comes after a sharp increase in reports of the counterfeit chocolate bars on sale over the past year.

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said: 

“With Easter less than a month away, it is more important than ever that parents and grandparents are aware of the risks that these bogus chocolate bars could pose to their children, particularly those living with a food allergy or intolerance.

“There is no way of knowing what ingredients are in these bars or what food hygiene practices are being followed by the people making or repackaging them.

“If you have bought these knock-off bars, do not eat them or give them to friends and family.”

Any Wonka-branded chocolate which does not feature the official ‘Ferrero’ or ‘Ferrara Candy Company’ trademarks on the label is likely to be a counterfeit product and there is no way to know if it is safe to eat.

The Food Standards Agency is continuing to investigate further reports with support from local authority partners.

Letters have been sent to local authorities responsible for investigating and enforcing food law to advise them to remove any fake products from sale where there is a known or suspected public health risk.

Any members of the public who have bought or spot counterfeit Wonka Bars on shelves or online are advised to raise the issue with the retailer and report the matter to their Local Authority so that action can be taken.

FSA alert

Confectionery containing fair trade or organic cocoa and sugar carry one of the highest risks of adulteration and mislabelling in the food & drink industry, according to Ecovia Intelligence.

Read the full article here.

Visit our Food Fraud Mitigation page for more information about services, reports and guides.