Coffee represents one of the most widespread and appreciated drinks globally, but what is rarely considered while savoring a cup is the potential content of contaminants generated during the cultivation and processing phases. Among the most discussed compounds there is theacrylamidea potentially carcinogenic substance that develops during the roasting. There is also no lack of traces of pesticides such as the glyphosatethe most widely used herbicide in the world. To these are also added heavy metals such as Cadmio and Nichelwhich can penetrate in the beans through the soil of cultivation.
A recent survey, carried out by Swiss magazine balancehe examined 12 packs of coffee in grains – you are intended for the preparation of the Espresso and you are dedicated to Coffee Coffee – purchased at the main retailers of the Swiss market. Among others, we find Crema Crema, particularly popular in Switzerland and Germany, a type that is prepared through espresso coffee machines (the peculiarity lies in the fact that the grinding is more coarse than usual and for this reason a greater quantity of water is used – between 120 and 150 ml – to allow the formation of the typical surface cream).
The purpose of the research consisted in verify the presence of different harmful substancesincluding acrylamide, glyphosate, heavy metals, ocher A and polycyclic aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons.
Let’s see in detail the results that emerged from the analysis.
Glyphosate identified in the products of Ardi and Lidl
The analysis identified residues of Glifosato in two specific references: the very bar Caffe Crema & Aroma sold by Asi and the Espresso Bellarom Extra Dark marketed by Lidl. Both products, albeit containing the herbicide, have reached a sufficient evaluation considering all the parameters of judgment.
The concentrations detected are lower than the legal limitsbut the presence of the herbicide remains a reason for discussion. The World Health Organization classified it as “possibly carcinogenic”, while the European Agency for Chemicals said that, at present, there are no scientific or regulatory motivations to proceed with a ban.
Four products, on the other hand, have obtained an overall positive evaluation, thanks to the absence of pesticides and content levels of acrylamide and other contaminants.
Heavy metals: traces of cadmium and nickel in different samples
During the investigation, the presence of Cadmio in the Bio Caffè di Migros and in two items distributed by Lidl. Cadmio is a heavy metal considered toxic, capable of accumulating in the human body and constitutes a potential danger to health. Also in this case, the quantities found remain below the legal threshold of 0.2 µg/kg.
Regarding the nickelof the Values higher than the average were found in M-Budget brand espresso coffee.
Acrylamide: some products touch the limits of the law
Swiss legislation and that of the European Union set the Limite maximum of acrylamide in coffee beans toasted at 400 µg/kg. Among the products examined, those with i Higher values are the Mövepick Cream Coffee, the traditional Chicco d’oro Crema, the Migros Bio Caffè and the Espresso M-Budget.
In particular, the two Migros articles have recorded values of about 340 µg/kg, a quantity that is significantly approaching the maximum allowed threshold.
At the opposite extreme there is the Dark express bartender of Tchibo, who reported the lowest value ever: 114 µg/kg, well below the limit set by European legislation. The Coop Prix Guarantie cream and the Espresso Roast of Starbucks also characterized themselves for reduced content of acrylamide.
The survey focus does not aim to draw up an absolute ranking of the products – since it is mostly brands marketed in Switzerland – but the infographics published by the balance still report all the references subjected to tests.
Little transparent origin: incomplete labels about origins
Among the critical aspects that emerged, there is the lack of transparency regarding the geographical origin of the raw materials. Numerous brands, including Assets, Lidl, Migros, Starbucks And Mövepick,.
According to the balance, an investigation carried out directly at the distributors made it possible to discover that The beans used in tested products come from at least 10 different countries. The biological coffee of Aldi is composed of a mixture of Arabica and robust cultivated in India, Tanzania, Honduras and Peru. Arabica grains intended for the expressed Lidl are from China, Brazil and Honduras. Only few references make use of beans cultivated in a single country. One of the exceptions is represented by the M-Budget Express, containing exclusively robust Vietnamese.
Analysis method: parameters and laboratory involved
The entire analysis was conducted by Kiel’s Plantton Laboratory in Germany, out of 12 coffee samples in toasted grains. The refined substances included:
