Stiftung Warentest examines veggie burger patties: partially contaminated with pollutants
Jun 3, 2021 - Foods
Stiftung Warentest examines veggie burger patties: partially contaminated with pollutants
In the May 2021 issue of Stiftung Warentest, 18 vegan and vegetarian burger patties, English for “Bratling,” were tested. Half of them were rated as “good.” The following test parameters were examined:
Contaminants:
The patties were tested for 3-MCPD esters, glycidyl esters, mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH), chlorate, perchlorate, and other health-relevant contaminants. These can enter the products through raw materials or during processing. In five products, these substances were detected in critical amounts, leading to a downgrade.
Microbiological Quality:
The microbiological quality of the products was also examined. Depending on the storage temperature, the products were tested at the best-before date (BBD) or independently of the BBD. The quality of all tested products was assessed as “good” to “very good.”
Animal DNA and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO):
The vegan products were tested for the DNA of various animal species. No traces of animal products were detected in any of the vegan products. Since some products are made from soy, they were also tested for traces of GMOs. In some countries, including the USA, the cultivation of genetically modified soy is approved. Traces of GMOs were partially detected in the tested products.
Additional deductions were made
- for high levels of saturated fatty acids in the fat content
- incorrect declaration of the products
You can find the full report in the Stiftung Warentest magazine No. 5/2021.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly carry out investigations on various contaminants and microbial contamination. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
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Source: Stiftung Warentest 5/2021: www.test.de