Since July 1, 2025, new EU limits for nickel in food products have come into effect, including for cocoa, one of the most important raw materials in the chocolate and food industry. For importers and major customers, this means that raw materials previously considered unproblematic now require strict monitoring to comply with legal standards.

Failure to meet the new limits can result in production interruptions, product recalls, or supply bottlenecks. For companies like Bohnkaf, it is therefore crucial to enhance supply chain oversight, testing procedures, and quality control measures.

Why Nickel in Cocoa Matters
Nickel is a naturally occurring element in the earth and is therefore found in many agricultural products. In small amounts, nickel is harmless to humans. However, higher nickel levels can trigger health issues for sensitive individuals, particularly skin reactions in people with nickel allergies. Consequently, food products with elevated nickel levels are increasingly subject to regulation.

Cocoa is particularly affected because it can absorb nickel from the soil. The level depends heavily on the region of cultivation, soil composition, and processing methods. For importers and wholesalers, this means that raw materials must be carefully monitored to comply with legal requirements.

New EU Regulation 2024/1987: Entry into Force and Limits
The European Union has established new maximum levels for nickel in foods through Regulation (EU) 2024/1987. The goal is to minimize health risks for sensitive consumers, especially nickel-allergic individuals and young children.

Key maximum levels for cocoa and chocolate products are:
• Cocoa powder (raw material or for consumers): max. 15 mg/kg
• Milk chocolate with less than 30% cocoa: max. 2.5 mg/kg
• Milk chocolate with 30% or more cocoa: max. 7 mg/kg
• Low-fat cocoa powder (for consumers or as an ingredient): max. 15 mg/kg

These limits apply to all shipments within the EU, including raw materials delivered in bulk to the food industry.

Impact on the Supply Chain
The regulation has direct consequences for the supply chain. Cocoa from nickel-rich soils may be avoided by certain buyers. At the same time, the importance of suppliers who provide transparent analyses and reliable documentation of nickel content increases. Bohnkaf focuses on long-term partnerships with selected cultivation regions and precise analysis of each raw material supplier.

Moreover, it is becoming increasingly important for our major customers to ensure traceability of cocoa. From cultivation to processing, data on nickel levels and testing must be fully documented. This allows companies in the food industry to meet their obligations to consumers while ensuring the quality of their products.

Conclusion
The new EU regulations on nickel in food products highlight the close connection between consumer safety and raw material management. Regulation (EU) 2024/1987, in effect since July 2025, establishes clear standards that directly affect the cocoa industry. For us, this means increased responsibility, from cultivation through import to delivery to major customers.

We see these developments not as limitations but as opportunities. Through transparent supply chains, targeted controls, and close cooperation with our partners, we can guarantee the highest quality and safety for our customers. Addressing issues like nickel in cocoa is more than mere bureaucracy. It demonstrates that quality, health, and responsible practices go hand in hand, an approach that increasingly makes the difference in the food industry.