Checking of coffee labelling: three false declarations in Switzerland
Bern, 21.06.2019 - As part of the internationally coordinated OPSON VIII operation, thirteen European countries checked that coffee had been correctly declared. Three false declarations were found in Switzerland. Arabica coffee beans had been replaced by cheaper Robusta beans despite the label stating “100% Arabica coffee”.
The international OPSON VIII operation, coordinated by Europol and INTERPOL, was led in Switzerland by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO). In February 2019, the food enforcement authorities in Switzerland and Liechtenstein collected a total of 58 samples (53 and 5 samples respectively). The samples, taken from large distributors and local coffee roasting establishments, consisted of whole roasted coffee beans, ground coffee beans or coffee capsules. An increased level of 16-O-methylcafestol was found in three of the coffee samples tested. This constituent only occurs in coffee beans of the Robusta species. The labelling “100% Arabica coffee” was therefore incorrect.
One of the coffees testing positive had been produced in Italy. This case was referred to the Italian authorities for follow-up. The other two positive coffee samples originated in Switzerland and were referred to the competent cantonal enforcement authorities. The latter are now investigating whether Robusta coffee beans were deliberately added.
Compliance with the maximum levels for ochratoxin A in coffee beans was also checked during the tests. Ochratoxin A is a harmful mycotoxin that can be produced if coffee beans are handled incorrectly. None of the 58 samples exceeded the maximum level for ochratoxin A.
INTERPOL and Europol have been coordinating OPSON operations to combat food fraud since 2011. Switzerland has been participating since 2016. The joint operations aim to combat misleading and fraudulent practices in the food chain. Each country is free to choose the topic it selects for the operation. In addition to the cases in Switzerland, potential cases of coffee fraud were also found in Germany and Portugal.
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