The Crucial Role of ISO/IEC 17025 in the Determination of Cadmium and Lead in Cocoa
This technical article explores the rigorous analytical metrology processes required for the quantification of heavy metals in complex matrices such as cocoa. We analyze the impact of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, the use of LIMS systems, the vital stage of microwave-assisted acid digestion, and compare cutting-edge technologies such as ICP-MS, GF-AAS, and FAAS. Furthermore, we detail how the correct definition of the Limit of Detection (LOD) and the Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is fundamental to avoid the rejection of export batches in the face of strict regulations such as EU Regulation 488/2014.