Product Name: Cocoa Powder
Synonyms: Cacao powder, Chocolate powder
CAS Number: 8002-31-1
Manufacturer: Major food-grade raw material suppliers
Recommended Use: Confectionery, baking, beverage applications
Contact Information: Food ingredient suppliers and emergency contact numbers marked on container labels
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Physical Hazards: Finely divided particles could form combustible dust concentrations in air
Health Hazards: Low acute toxicity, inhalation of dust can cause coughing or throat irritation
Environmental Hazards: Not regarded as a significant environmental hazard in intended use
Label Elements: No significant precautionary pictograms or signal words required by GHS for food-grade cocoa powder
Other Hazards: May trigger respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals or those prone to allergic reactions
Cocoa Powder: 100% pure roasted, ground, and defatted cacao beans
Main Components: Theobromine (1-2%), Caffeine (approx. 0.1-0.5%), Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Carbohydrates, Fat (10-22% varies by grade), Trace minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium)
Impurities/Additives: Food-grade cocoa contains no added preservatives or non-cocoa ingredients
Allergens: May contain traces of tree nuts, milk, or gluten if processed in shared facilities
Specific Ingredients: No additional hazardous components at reportable concentrations
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air if coughing or respiratory irritation occurs, breathe easy, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water if irritation or redness occurs, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing, seek medical attention if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Safe for consumption in reasonable quantities as a food ingredient, in case of large accidental ingestion—rinse mouth, drink water, consult a physician if symptoms develop
Acute/Delayed Symptoms: Exposure rarely leads to acute health issues except in individuals with chocolate or caffeine sensitivities, prompt medical attention for rare allergic reactions
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide—avoid using high pressure water streams that could spread powder dust
Special Hazards: Combustible dust may ignite at high concentrations in air under specific conditions, can contribute to flash fire if dispersed and exposed to ignition source
Protective Equipment: Wear standard fire-fighting gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Approach from upwind to avoid inhalation, cool containers exposed to fire, remove product from fire area if safe to do so
Personal Precautions: Minimize dust formation, ventilate area, wear dust mask or respirator where heavy dust occurs
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharging large amounts into watercourses or drains
Containment/Clean Up: Use soft brush or vacuum equipped with dust filter, sweep or shovel spilled material into containers for reuse or disposal, avoid creating airborne dust, wash affected surfaces with water
Safe Handling: Transfer and weigh powders carefully to limit dust clouds, wear protective gear in bulk settings
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking in processing areas
Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep containers tightly closed and away from direct sunlight, humidity and strong odors, segregate from sources of ignition
Incompatibilities: Store apart from oxidizing agents and strong acids
Packaging Materials: Use food-grade sacks, pails, or drums with tightly sealed lids to maintain freshness and quality
Exposure Limits: No OSHA, ACGIH, or EU exposure limits for food-grade cocoa powder
Engineering Controls: Ventilation systems or dust collection systems in bulk processing or packaging lines, maintain airborne dust below nuisance dust thresholds
Personal Protection: Dust mask or particulate respirator in high dust environments, gloves for those with sensitive skin, safety goggles to prevent accidental eye contact
Workplace Practices: Wash hands before meals and after handling, change contaminated clothing quickly, avoid generating airborne dust during cleaning or handling
Appearance: Fine or slightly granular brown powder
Odor: Characteristic deep chocolate aroma
Melting Point: Not applicable (decomposes on heating)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
pH Value: Typically 5.5-6.0 in 10% aqueous dispersion
Solubility: Dispersible in hot water, partially hydrophobic—does not dissolve completely
Bulk Density: About 400–600 kg/m³ (varies by grade)
Flash Point: Not readily flammable as supplied, combustible in dust/air mixtures
Other Properties: Stable under recommended storage, no explosive properties, distinctive flavor and high antioxidant capacity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient temperatures and dry storage
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid high humidity, open flame, hot surfaces, sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and alkalis
Hazardous Reactions: Hazardous polymerization does not occur
Decomposition Products: Will decompose to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other potentially irritating fumes if subjected to high temperatures or open flames
Acute Toxicity: Ingestion of normal quantities considered safe for most people as a food product, large amounts could lead to caffeine-like symptoms (restlessness, rapid heartbeat) in some individuals
Chronic Effects: No known chronic health risks associated with standard consumption, possible allergenic response in rare cases
Inhalation: High exposure to dust could cause respiratory irritation
Skin/Eye Contact: Rarely causes mild irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not considered carcinogenic (IARC, NTP, OSHA do not list cocoa powder as a carcinogen)
Other Effects: Trace amounts of natural theobromine and caffeine present—generally much less effect than in coffee or black tea
Ecotoxicity: Not considered hazardous to aquatic or terrestrial environments in normal use
Persistence/Degradability: Biodegradable, breaks down naturally in soil and wastewater
Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Low environmental mobility—powder integrates easily with organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Excessive discharge to surface waters could cause localized increases in organic matter, but no significant risk at small scale
Waste Treatment Methods: Reuse or recycle as much as possible, disposal in accordance with local food or organic waste guidelines
Food-Grade Disposal: Compost, animal feed (where permitted), or landfill if unfit for use and no other option available
Container Disposal: Empty containers thoroughly before recycling, observe local rules for food-contact materials
UN Number: Not regulated for transport by ground, air, or sea
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for shipping
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Store in sealed, food-safe packaging to prevent spills or contamination during transit, keep dry, use palletized loads wrapped or strapped to minimize movement
Regulatory Status: Recognized as safe (GRAS) for intended uses by US FDA, permissible food ingredient under EU food law, Codex Alimentarius, and local food safety authorities
Labeling Requirements: Food labeling must reflect origin, allergen status, and purity
Other Compliance: No special hazard communication required under OSHA HazCom, EU CLP, or UN GHS criteria; observe good manufacturing and hygiene practice in production and use