Stiftung Warentest examines various tofus: Ochratoxin A could be detected

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Oct 8, 2021 - Foods

Stiftung Warentest examines various tofus: Ochratoxin A could be detected

In the October 2021 issue of Stiftung Warentest, 15 natural, smoked, and silken tofus were tested. 10 products were rated as "good". The following test parameters were examined:

Contaminants:

The various tofus were tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and molds. The smoked tofus were also tested for free 3-MCPD and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are formed during the smoking of tofu. These detections led to downgrades.

Microbiological quality:

The microbiological quality of the products was also examined. They were tested for pathogens and spoilage bacteria, and the total bacterial count was determined. The microbiological testing was carried out, if possible, both upon entry to the lab and at the best-before or use-by date. The quality of all but one of the tested products was rated as "very good".

Genetically modified organisms (GMO):

Since tofu is made from soy, traces of GMOs were also tested for. In some countries, including the USA, genetically modified soy is approved for cultivation. The use of GMOs is not permitted in organic products. In one of the tested tofus, small traces of GMOs were detected.

 Further deductions were made for the detection of

-       a protein-degrading bacterium, which can result in product spoilage

-       the mold toxin Ochratoxin A

 You can find the full report in the Stiftung-Warentest Issue No. 10/2021.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly perform analyses for various contaminants and microbial loads. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

For questions, our customer advisors are at your disposal.

Source: October issue of the magazine Stiftung Warentest