Salmonella Prevalence in Raw Cocoa Beans and a Microbiological Risk Assessment to Evaluate the Impact of Cocoa Liquor Processing on the Reduction of Salmonella

Salmonella in raw cocoa beans (n = 870) from main sourcing areas over nine months was analyzed. It was detected in 71 (ca. 8.2%) samples, with a contamination level of 0.3–46 MPN/g except for one sample (4.1 × 10⁴ CFU/g). Using prevalence and concentration data as input, the impact of thermal treatment in cocoa processing on the risk estimate of acquiring salmonellosis by a random Belgian chocolate consumer was calculated by a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) approach. A modular process risk model from raw cocoa beans to cocoa liquor up to a hypothetical final product (70–90% dark chocolate tablet) was set up to understand changes in Salmonella concentrations following the production process. Different thermal treatments during bean or nib steam, nib roasting, or liquor sterilization (achieving a 0–6 log reduction of Salmonella) were simulated. Based on the generic FAO/WHO Salmonella dose–response model and the chocolate consumption data in Belgium, salmonellosis risk per serving and cases per year at population level were estimated. When a 5 log reduction of Salmonella was achieved, the estimated mean risk per serving was 3.35 × 10⁻⁸ (95% CI: 3.27 × 10⁻¹⁰–1.59 × 10⁻⁷), and estimated salmonellosis cases per year (11.7 million population) was 88 (95% CI: <1–418). The estimated mean risk per serving was 3.35 × 10⁻⁹ (95% CI: 3.27 × 10⁻¹¹–1.59 × 10⁻⁸), and the estimated salmonellosis cases per year was 9 (95% CI: <1–42), for a 6 log reduction. The current QMRA model solely considered Salmonella reduction in a single-step thermal treatment in the cocoa process. Inactivation obtained during other process steps (e.g. grinding) might occur but was not considered. As the purpose was to use QMRA as a tool to evaluate the log reduction in the cocoa processing, no postcontamination from the processing environment and ingredients was included. A minimum of 5 log reduction of Salmonella in the single-step thermal treatment of cocoa process was considered to be adequate.