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Addressing Cadmium in Cacao Farmland: A Path to Safer, Sustainable Chocolate

Author

Listed:
  • Gina Alexandra García Porras

    (Department of Biology, Postgraduate Program of Plant Physiology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37203-202, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

  • Jéssica Aires dos Santos

    (Department of Biology, Postgraduate Program of Plant Physiology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37203-202, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

  • Mariana Rocha de Carvalho

    (Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37203-202, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

  • Elberth Hernando Pinzón-Sandoval

    (Department of Biology, Postgraduate Program of Plant Physiology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37203-202, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

  • Aline Aparecida Silva Pereira

    (Department of Biology, Postgraduate Program of Plant Physiology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37203-202, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

  • Luiz Roberto Guimarães Guilherme

    (Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37203-202, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Abstract

Cacao cultivation is an important economic and social activity for tropical regions worldwide. Elevated cadmium (Cd) concentrations in soil and cacao beans have become a serious concern for producers and consumers, particularly following the implementation of stricter Cd limits for cacao products in the European Union since 2019. Cadmium is a potentially toxic element that can bioaccumulate in different plant tissues, raising concerns about the future of cacao exports and posing a significant threat to the food chain through consuming products with high Cd concentrations. Therefore, understanding the origins of Cd in cacao-producing countries’ agricultural soils is essential. Equally important is the need to investigate the factors influencing its availability, uptake, translocation, and distribution within the cacao plant, in addition to strategies for mitigating its effects or reducing its concentration in agriculturally relevant tissues. This review aims to contextualize the sources of Cd in the cacao agroecosystems while highlighting recent advances and perspectives in applying essential and beneficial elements, selecting low-accumulator genotypes, and utilizing associated microbiota. These strategies seek to mitigate Cd bioaccumulation and minimize its negative impacts on the cocoa value chain.

Suggested Citation

  • Gina Alexandra García Porras & Jéssica Aires dos Santos & Mariana Rocha de Carvalho & Elberth Hernando Pinzón-Sandoval & Aline Aparecida Silva Pereira & Luiz Roberto Guimarães Guilherme, 2025. "Addressing Cadmium in Cacao Farmland: A Path to Safer, Sustainable Chocolate," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:4:p:433-:d:1594827
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhangxiong Han & Xuan Wei & Dejun Wan & Wenxiang He & Xijie Wang & Ying Xiong, 2020. "Effect of Molybdenum on Plant Physiology and Cadmium Uptake and Translocation in Rape ( Brassica napus L.) under Different Levels of Cadmium Stress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Margherita Del Prete & Antonella Samoggia, 2020. "Chocolate Consumption and Purchasing Behaviour Review: Research Issues and Insights for Future Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Meter, A. & Atkinson, R.J. & Laliberte, B., . "Cadmium in Cacao From Latin America and The Caribbean. A Review of Research and Potential Mitigation Solutions," Books, CAF Development Bank Of Latinamerica, number 1506.
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