Quantitative reduction of heavy metals and caffeine in cocoa using mid-infrared spectrum irradiation

Using mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength, it may be possible to potentiate the inherent characteristics of a material by altering its composition and chemical bonds configuration.Cocoa inherently contains heavy metals and caffeine, but is widely used in products from foods to cosmetics, causing serious health hazards, and to date, no technology is available to solve this problem. Therefore, we propose the application of mid-IR to cocoa, using a device of our invention, which is safe, easy-to-handle, and economical. This atomizing device, called MIRGA, usesa water-based solution and generates mid-IR in the range of 2–6 μm. Application of MIRGA to cocoa revealed that the 2–6 μm mid-IR wavelength quantitatively reduced or eliminated9–99%of heavy metals and 26–51% of caffeine compared to the control. This wavelength also caused changes to the chemical bonds, resulting in compound transformation and configuration changes that enhanced the taste and aroma of cocoa and made it less toxic. Instrumental analyses were performed to confirm these changes. [Display omitted] •Heavy metal in cocoa is a major health risk, and till date there is no proven remedy to successfully remove/degrade/reduce the heavy metals in cocoa.•Cocoa powder packaged in sachets was externally treated with 2–6 μm mid-infrared light.•The mid-IR has altered the chemical bonds of the cocoa molecules.•Thereby reduced the heavy metals and alkaloids concentration, and increased the palatability.•This method is safe, easy-to-use and economical for heavy metal detoxification.