TLDR: Mold, specifically Ochratoxin A (OTA), can be present in coffee beans, but proper handling and roasting can significantly reduce its risks. This post explains what OTA is, how it affects health, and what you can do to ensure your coffee is safe to drink.
A big thank you to Christopher Hendon and Doran Pennington for having me on the Coffee Literature Review podcast and giving me the opportunity to share insights about mold in coffee! If you're a coffee enthusiast, you may have heard about the presence of mold in coffee and the potential risks associated with it. The most common culprit is Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin produced by fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. In this blog post, we'll explore what OTA is, how it affects coffee, and, most importantly, how to stay safe while enjoying your favorite brew.
What is Ochratoxin A (OTA)?
OTA is a type of mycotoxin that acts similarly to an amino acid but causes harm to the body, particularly to the kidneys. It has been linked to several health issues, including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and potential carcinogenic effects. OTA is most often found in cereals, dried fruits, and coffee beans that have been contaminated by certain molds.
Mold in Coffee: How Common is It?
OTA can be present in both green and roasted coffee beans. A study found that around 10% of coffee samples contained detectable levels of OTA, with concentrations varying significantly depending on the handling and storage conditions (Studer-Rohr et al., 1995). The good news is that much of the OTA is destroyed during the roasting process. Specifically, roasting temperatures of up to 250°C can lead to a significant reduction in OTA levels, with some studies showing reductions as high as 90% (Blanc et al., 1998).
The Role of Proper Roasting and Handling
Proper handling, roasting, and storage practices are essential in reducing the presence of OTA in coffee. During roasting, OTA levels in green coffee beans can be drastically reduced, leaving only about 16% of the original OTA content in the final roasted coffee (Blanc et al., 1998). Roasting essentially “bakes away” much of the OTA, making the final product much safer for consumption.
However, if coffee beans are improperly stored, they can become re-contaminated with mold. Humid conditions and inadequate ventilation can create an environment in which molds thrive. Therefore, ensuring good storage conditions, such as a cool, dry place, is crucial for keeping coffee safe.
How Can You Ensure Your Coffee Is Safe?
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Smell Test: If your coffee smells moldy, it's best to throw it out. Mold can produce distinct odors that indicate spoilage. Trust your senses—if the smell is off, don’t take the risk.
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Buy Specialty Coffee: Specialty coffee brands, like Moongoat, often follow stricter quality control measures, from sourcing to roasting. This means their products are less likely to contain OTA or other contaminants.
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Proper Storage: Store your coffee beans in airtight containers in a cool, dry environment to prevent mold growth. Avoid storing coffee near humid areas like dishwashers or sinks.
Why Specialty Coffee is a Safer Option
One of the best ways to avoid mold contamination is to buy specialty coffee. Specialty coffee brands take greater care in sourcing high-quality beans, drying them properly, and roasting them to eliminate as much risk as possible. At Moongoat Coffee, we ensure that our beans are handled with the utmost care, from farm to cup, to minimize the risks associated with mycotoxins like OTA.
Our Commitment to Mold-Free Coffee
At Moongoat Coffee, we are committed to providing the highest quality coffee possible. We are actively working to have our roasting facility certified mold-free, specifically focusing on Ochratoxin A (OTA). This includes using direct detection methods and advanced color sorting technology to ensure that our beans are free from OTA contamination.
Listen to the Podcast
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out the podcast episode where I discuss mold in coffee and the research behind OTA with Christopher Hendon and Doran Pennington. Listen to the full episode here.
For those interested in accessing the reviewed documents, you can find them on the Coffee Lit. Rev. page.
Special Thanks
By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, you can safely enjoy your coffee without worry. If you want to be extra safe, consider choosing specialty coffee—especially from Moongoat—for a quality and worry-free experience.
Ready to taste the difference? Visit Moongoat Coffee today and experience high-quality, expertly roasted beans that you can trust.
