As a responsible user and supplier of chocolate and cocoa products, we at Christopher Elbow Chocolates
take food safety, quality, and conformity with legislative and regulatory standards very seriously. This
is accomplished through our commitment to hold our suppliers accountable and document this through our
Supplier Approval Program. Approved raw material suppliers are asked to demonstrate that they monitor
for certain contaminants in the products they supply to us, or otherwise certify the raw materials as
meeting applicable requirements of California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986,
also known as Proposition 65.
Trace levels of minerals and elements, such as cadmium (heavy metals),
can be found in nearly all cocoa products. However, it is widely accepted by the industry that these
elements are absorbed at the farm level through the soil of the cacao trees. Therefore, the values may
vary from each individual farm. With regards to minerals, i.e. heavy metals, Prop 65 gives an exemption
for chemicals that are “naturally occurring” in food. Therefore, we consider our chocolate and cocoa
products to be in compliance with current Prop 65 regulations.
We will adjust our policies as
necessary as more information on new Prop 65 standards becomes available.
*This communication is intended to provide advice to Christopher Elbow Chocolate’s customers upon
their request. Our interpretation of the law does not represent a formal legal opinion, as we have
not sought concurrence from the competent authorities. Customers are encouraged to consult with
their own legal counsel.
WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to cadmium and or
lead, both are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For
more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.