Ochratoxin A in coffee beans
Introduction
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced mainly by fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. It frequently contaminates agricultural commodities such as cereals, dried fruits, spices, and most notably, coffee beans. OTA is highly stable to heat, making it resistant to roasting and other conventional processing steps, which increases its persistence in the coffee supply chain.
Scientific studies have established OTA as nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive, and possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B, IARC). Because coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, monitoring OTA in beans and derived products is of global public health significance.
At Eurofins, we provide specialized OTA testing services to safeguard consumer health, ensure compliance with national and international regulations, and protect your coffee business in domestic and export markets.
Why OTA Testing in Coffee Beans is Critical
- Public Health Protection: Long-term exposure to OTA is linked to kidney disorders, immune suppression, and urinary tract cancers.
- Regulatory Compliance: The EU, Codex Alimentarius, and FSSAI have set strict OTA limits in coffee. Exceeding these limits leads to rejection in global markets.
- Trade & Export Assurance: Coffee is among the top traded commodities; consignments with OTA contamination face detentions and border rejections.
- Economic Safeguarding: Prevention of costly recalls, market withdrawal, and damage to brand reputation.
Pathways of OTA Contamination in Coffee
- Cultivation Stage – Fungal infection under humid or wet field conditions.
- Post-Harvest Drying – Inadequate drying leads to high moisture, favoring mold growth.
- Storage Conditions – Warm, humid storage environments allow Aspergillus ochraceus
- Transport & Handling – Poor packaging and long transit under fluctuating conditions.
- Processing Stage – While roasting reduces some OTA, it cannot eliminate it completely.
Health Risks of Ochratoxin A
- Nephrotoxicity: Damage to kidneys leading to chronic kidney disease.
- Carcinogenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B).
- Immunotoxicity: Suppression of immune function and increased infection risk.
- Neurotoxicity: Potential negative impacts on brain function.
- Developmental Risks: Teratogenic effects observed in animal studies.
Standards and Regulations
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, which was adopted on 25 April 2023, establishes new maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, including Ochratoxin A (OTA). The regulation outlines permissible limits for OTA across a wide range of food products, aiming to ensure food safety and protect public health.
|
Food Product |
Maximum Level (μg/kg) |
|
Dried Vine Fruits (currants, raisins, sultanas) |
8 |
|
Other Dried Fruits |
2 |
|
Date Syrup |
15 |
|
Pistachios (after sorting or treatment) |
10 |
|
Pistachios (for final consumer) |
5 |
|
Dried Herbs |
10 |
|
Ginger Roots (dried) |
15 |
|
Herbal Roots & Coffee Substitutes |
20 |
|
Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Soybeans |
5 |
|
Unprocessed Cereal Grains |
5 |
|
Cereals (for final consumer) |
3 |
|
Bakery Wares, Cereal Snacks, Breakfast Cereals |
2.0 (no oilseeds/nuts/dried fruits) |
|
Roasted Coffee Beans & Ground Coffee |
3 |
|
Instant Coffee (Soluble Coffee) |
5 |
|
Cocoa Powder |
3 |
|
Dried Spices (except Capsicum) |
15 |
|
Capsicum (Chillies, Paprika, Cayenne) |
20 |
|
Liquorice (root and extracts) |
20–80 |
|
Wine and Fruit Wine |
2 |
|
Aromatized Wine-Based Drinks |
2 |
|
Grape Juice, Nectar, Must |
2 |
|
Baby Food & Processed Cereal for Infants |
0.5 |
|
Special Medical Food for Infants |
0.5 |
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02023R0915-20240722
FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) First Amendment Regulations, 2024, aimed at strengthening food safety, consumer protection, and antimicrobial resistance control in India.
|
Section |
Details |
|
Objective |
Strengthening food safety, consumer protection, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control in India. |
|
Crop Contaminant Limits |
Ochratoxin A – Max. 5 µg/kg for: Wheat, Wheat bran, Rye, Barley, Coffee |
|
Prohibition of Veterinary Drugs |
14 antimicrobials, veterinary drugs, and steroids banned in: |
|
Extraneous Maximum Residue Limits (EMRL) |
• Most banned drugs → 0.001 mg/kg |
|
Antibiotics in Honey |
Use of any antibiotics prohibited — ensures natural purity of honey. |
|
Monitoring & Compliance |
• Minimum Required Performance Limits (MRPLs) set for testing labs |
|
Effective Date |
April 1, 2025 |
Eurofins OTA Testing Solutions
We offer a comprehensive suite of OTA testing services with internationally validated methods:
- HPLC with Fluorescence Detection (HPLC-FLD): Reliable, sensitive quantification.
- LC-MS/MS: Highly specific, capable of detecting multiple mycotoxins simultaneously.
- ELISA Rapid Screening: Cost-effective and efficient for large batches.
- Multi-Matrix Testing: Applicable for green beans, roasted beans, instant coffee, and blends.
Step-by-Step Testing Workflow at Eurofins
- Sample Collection Guidance – Detailed instructions for representative sampling.
- Sample Submission – Secure pickup and transportation to our labs.
- Analysis – Conducted in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
- Results & Reporting – Clear reports benchmarked against international regulations.
- Technical Consultation – Guidance on preventive measures for storage and handling.
Preventive Measures Against OTA in Coffee
- Proper drying to maintain safe moisture levels (<12%).
- Use of clean, ventilated storage facilities.
- Avoiding jute bags that absorb moisture use food-grade packaging.
- Regular monitoring during long-term storage.
- Preventing cross-contamination during transport and blending.
Who Benefits from OTA Testing?
- Coffee Producers & Farmers – Ensuring beans are contamination-free before sale.
- Exporters & Traders – Compliance with EU, Codex, and international limits.
- Roasters & Processors – Detecting hidden OTA in raw materials and blends.
- Retailers & Brands – Protecting brand trust and ensuring customer safety.
- Importers – Verifying product quality before clearance.
Challenges in OTA Management & How Eurofins Helps
|
Industry Challenge |
Eurofins Solution |
|
High variability in OTA contamination |
Rigorous, statistically valid sampling & testing |
|
Rejections at EU/US borders |
Express confirmatory analysis & compliance support |
|
Lack of awareness in supply chain |
Advisory training & preventive guidelines |
|
Hidden contamination in blends |
Advanced LC-MS/MS multi-toxin screening |
Case Study: Exporter Success Story
A leading coffee exporter in India faced multiple rejections at EU ports due to OTA contamination in green beans. Eurofins developed a comprehensive monitoring plan, combining rapid ELISA screening with confirmatory LC-MS/MS testing. Within a year, the company achieved 100% compliance and expanded exports to new EU and Middle East markets, restoring customer confidence and profitability.
Why Partner with Eurofins for OTA Testing?
- Global Expertise: Presence in 50+ countries, trusted by leading coffee exporters.
- Accreditations: NABL, FSSAI, ISO/IEC 17025.
- Technology Leadership: Cutting-edge LC-MS/MS, HPLC-FLD, and ELISA.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Testing across all coffee supply chain stages.
- Actionable Insights: Technical advisory to prevent future contamination.
Ensure your coffee is safe, compliant, and export-ready. Partner with Eurofins, the global leader in food safety testing.
👉 Enquire now: https://www.eurofins.in/food-testing/enquire-now/
