Skimmed Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is a permitted food (21 CFR 163.112) and a source of flavanols and theobromine. The main concerns are heavy-metal contamination - Consumer Reports and FDA/Codex have documented cadmium and lead in cocoa products - and theobromine sensitivity in pets and rare individuals.
What it is
Defatted cocoa powder produced from roasted, ground cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao) with most of the cocoa butter pressed out (typically <10% fat, often <1% in 'skimmed').
Flavor and color ingredient supplying chocolate flavor with reduced fat.
Why it's flagged
- lead and cadmium contamination
- theobromine (toxic to pets)
- caffeine content
What regulators actually say
"Lowfat cocoa is the food prepared by pulverizing the residual cacao cake remaining after part of the cacao fat has been removed... and contains less than 10 percent... of cacao fat."
"Maximum level of cadmium in cocoa powder sold to the final consumer: 0.80 mg/kg."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Standard of identity 21 CFR 163.112 (low-fat cocoa).
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; Codex/EU maximum level 0.80 mg/kg cadmium in cocoa powder (Regulation 2021/1323).
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