Is Purity Coffee free of mold/mycotoxins?Updated 5 days ago

Yes. Every lot of Purity Coffee green coffee is tested at an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory for twelve mycotoxins before it leaves its country of origin. No lot that exceeded our limits would ever be released, and to date, every lot has tested below the laboratory’s reporting limits on every analyte tested. 

What We Test For

Every lot of our green coffee is screened by a third-party accredited laboratory using LC-MS/MS, with HPLC used for select analytes. Our testing panel includes:

• Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 (and Total Aflatoxins)
• Ochratoxin A (OTA)
• Deoxynivalenol (DON)
• Fumonisins B1, B2, B3 (and Total Fumonisins)
• Zearalenone
• T-2 Toxin
• HT-2 Toxin (and Total T-2 + HT-2)

We also test for heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other contaminants as part of our broader food safety program. 

When Testing Happens

1. At Origin, Before Shipment

Every lot is sampled and tested in the country of origin before purchase. If results exceed our internal standards, we do not purchase the lot. Our standards are set at or below EU regulatory limits for ochratoxin A. 

2. On Arrival in the U.S.

When shipments arrive, we monitor closely and re-test when appropriate. 

3. After Roasting

We spot-test finished roasted coffee throughout the year for mold, mycotoxins, and quality markers to verify our systems are working as designed. 

Why Mold and Mycotoxins Are Not a Concern in Our Roasted Coffee

Mycotoxin formation requires a toxin-producing fungus, sufficient moisture, and time. Our process is designed to prevent those conditions:

• We begin with green coffee that tests below reporting limits
• Roasting eliminates fungi present in green coffee
• We use air cooling only and do not water-quench roasted coffee
• Roasted coffee is maintained at moisture and water activity levels too low for fungal growth
• We store coffee in climate-controlled conditions
• Coffee naturally contains antimicrobial compounds such as chlorogenic acids and caffeine
• We follow FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) throughout our supply chain

Important Clarification: Mold vs. Mycotoxins

Mold and mycotoxins are not the same thing.

• Mycotoxins are compounds produced by certain molds under specific conditions
• Roasting can kill mold, but testing green coffee before roasting is still critical because toxins, if present, may remain
• Proper sourcing, storage, and testing are the best safeguards

How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)

You may see results listed as <RL = Below the Reporting Limit. This means the laboratory could not detect the analyte at or above its lowest measurable threshold.

For example, if OTA has a reporting limit of 1 ppb and the regulatory limit is 3 ppb, a result of <RL means it tested below 1 ppb, well below the allowed threshold. 

What ISO 17025 Means

ISO 17025:2017 is the international standard for testing laboratory competence. Accreditation confirms:

• Validated methods
• Traceable measurements
• Quality control systems
• Ongoing external audits

This ensures reliable, defensible results. 

The Bigger Picture

Testing for contaminants is the minimum standard we believe customers deserve. Our broader focus is developing coffees rich in beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, trigonelline, and other bioactives that help make coffee one of the most health-positive foods in the modern diet. 

Need More Information?

If you have questions about our testing program or Certificates of Analysis, our team is always happy to help.