Coffee consumption is part of the eating habit of most Brazilians, but the purchased product is not always what it seems. Counterfeit coffees, sold as if they were pure, may contain mixtures of ingredients that compromise the quality and safety of the drink.
Often, the drink has the most famous packaging, but it is not the original drink. Experts warn of the risks of this practice and explain how to identify fraud.
What may be in the counterfeit coffee
Nitrus addor, from the Niterói Hospital Complex (CHN), explains that adulterated coffees may contain grains of other species, straw and other components that do not have the nutrients found in true coffee.
According to Andreia Galliego, nutritionist at Elsimar Coutinho clinic, substances such as roasted corn, barley, rye, sawdust, starches and even clay can be used to increase volume and reduce production costs.
Brazilian law allows coffee to contain up to 1% of natural impurities such as leaves and peels, but the intentional addition of strange ingredients characterizes fraud. “The change in food composition is considered a crime and can bring serious health risks,” warns Galliego.
Health risks
Adulterated can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as swelling, gases and diarrhea, as well as poisoning caused by inadequate ingredients. The presence of clay in the mixture, for example, can expose the consumer to heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, affecting nervous system, liver and kidneys.
Experts also warn of the risk of allergies and adverse reactions. “If the product does not have clear registration or information about its composition, the consumer may be ingesting unknown substances that affect their health,” says Addor.
To recognize fraud, some home tests can help. One is to add a coffee spoon to a glass of cold water and observe the behavior of the dust. “If coffee beating, there is a good chance of being pure. If you sink quickly or lose color in the water, you can indicate fraud, ”explains Galliego.
Another sign is the texture of the dust. “Very thin coffees can contain flour, and excessive shine can be a caramelized indication,” adds the nutritionist.
However, the expert warns that ordinary consumers may have difficulty identifying falsifications only for taste or aroma, as these products can be flavored and similar to true coffee.
Tips to avoid fraud
To ensure, experts recommend buying only reliable brands and opt for certified products, such as the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association Seal (ABIC). “Avoid very cheap products and prefer grain coffee, which is less likely to be tampered with,” advises Galliego.
The sale of adulterated coffee is considered a serious offense by the Consumer Protection Code and the Technical Coffee Regulations, and may lead to severe penalties. Experts recommend some strategies:
- Prefer reliable brands: Opt for products from recognized manufacturers reduces the risk of buying adulterated coffee.
- Check the quality seal: The ABIC seal indicates that coffee has been tested and approved.
- DISAPPEARY OF VERY LOW PRICES: below market prices may indicate mixed with lower cost substances.
