News
05.09.2024 - Foods
ÖkoTest September 2024: Coffee Pads Contaminated with Acrylamide, Furan, Methylfurans, Glyphosate, and Mineral Oil Residues
ÖkoTest examined 21 different coffee pod products for contaminants such as acrylamide, furan, methylfurans, pesticides like glyphosate, acetamiprid, and cyproconazole, as well as mineral oil residues (MOSH/MOAH). Only one product was recommended by ÖkoTest with the grade "Good".
Acrylamide, as well as furan and methylfurans, are known contaminants in coffee. They are formed during the roasting of coffee beans, with their concentration depending on the temperature and roasting duration.
Acrylamide has been shown to be carcinogenic and mutagenic in animal studies. According to EFSA, furans can damage the liver with long-term intake and are carcinogenic in high doses in animal studies.
For acrylamide, a general minimization requirement applies. According to one of the Regulations (EU) 2017/2158, there are guideline values for acrylamide, among others for coffee. According to ÖkoTest, three-quarters of their samples exceed the EU guideline value by more than half. Only for four products did ÖkoTest rate the acrylamide content as traces.
Furthermore, furans and aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons were detected in some samples.
ÖkoTest also detected other residues such as the pesticides glyphosate, acetamiprid, and cyproconazole. The latter is no longer approved for cultivation in the EU.
Glyphosate is prohibited in organic farming. In the tested organic products, glyphosate could only be detected in very small amounts.
In our Tentamus Laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for acrylamide, furan, methylfurans, glyphosate, acetamiprid, cyproconazole, and mineral oil residues.
We provide you with fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety.
If you have questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.
Source: Öko-Test No. 09/2024 - https://www.oekotest.de/
Further information:
About acrylamide:
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/acrylamide
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/a-z_index/acrylamide-4185.html
About furans:
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/furan-food-efsa-confirms-health-concerns
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/questions_and_answers_on_furan_in_foods-127914.html
Glyphosate:
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/glyphosate
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/a-z_index/glyphosate-126638.html
Mineral oil residues:
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/questions_and_answers_on_mineral_oil_components_in_foods-132213.html
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/mineral-oil-hydrocarbons