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13.02.2025 - Foods

Rye breads in the test

In the current Ökotest edition from February 2025, the test results of 20 rye whole grain breads from (organic) supermarkets, drugstores, and discounters are presented.

Ökotest criticizes that industrially produced rye whole grain breads are often contaminated with mineral oil components, including the particularly critical aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH), which are potentially carcinogenic. In the current test series, four breads showed MOAH, with three even exceeding the maximum level proposed by the EU. Additionally, some breads contained other mineral oil components (MOSH), which accumulate in the human body. The contamination likely originates from lubricants of production machines or as migration from recycled packaging material.

Besides mineral oil residues, pesticides were also found in all conventional breads, mostly in multiple contaminations. A potential health risk due to interactions cannot be excluded. Two organic breads also contained residues of the banned growth regulator chlormequat. On the positive side, six organic breads were completely free of harmful substances and received the top rating “very good”.

Do you also have products for which you want to check the mineral oil residues (MOSH/MOAH) or pesticide contamination?

In our Tentamus laboratories, we conduct these tests regularly. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

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