Taiwanese market survey on the adulteration of coffee beans

By the growing coffee consumption in Taiwan, people pay more attention to the product quality and authenticity. In August 2019, a famous food safety media called foodNEXT initiated a market research project in Taiwan on the adulteration of coffee beans, following the approach of OPSON VIII that used 16-O-methylcafestol (16-OMC) as a marker to distinguish between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans as 16-OMC is only present in significant amounts in Robusta coffee.

22 samples from 12 different brands were collected from shopping malls and coffee stores and were sent to the laboratory of Tentamus Taiwan, then further delivered to QSI (Quality Services International GmbH) in Bremen, Germany for analysis by the Tentamus lab network.

Results

The result indicated that four samples labelled “100% Arabica coffee beans” from a particular brand were detected with presence of 16-OMC concentrations between 223 and 552 ppm. Even though the investigation has not yet been completed, this survey project raises a heated discussion in the Taiwanese coffee industry and also consumer awareness regarding the authenticity of coffee.

Based on the local Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, the product content should be identical to its label claims. Tentamus Group routinely and reliably carries out laboratory analysis, label reviews and hygiene audits to secure your food quality. We’re confident and well-prepared to support the local food industry with comprehensive solutions. We are looking forward to discussing your requirements.

Contact our experts for further information.