CAC/RCP 69-2009 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Ochratoxin A Contamination in Coffee
1. INTRODUCTION
1. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic fungal metabolite classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen (group 2B). JECFA established a PTWI of 100ng/kg bodyweight for OTA. In recognition of this global concern, FAO developed the Guidelines for the Prevention of Mould Formation in Coffee (2006) as a strategy to enable coffee producing countries to develop and implement their own national programmes for the prevention and reduction of OTA contamination. OTA is produced by a few species in the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. In coffee, only Aspergillus species, specifically A. ochraceus and related species (A. westerdijkiae and A. steynii), A. niger and related species, and A. carbonarius are involved. OTA is produced when conditions of water activity, nutrition and temperature required for growth and biosynthesis are present.
2. The main commercial coffee varieties produced and traded are Coffea arabica (arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (robusta coffee).
3. After harvest, the crop is sorted, dried (as cherries or as beans), stored and traded. The moisture content of the beans is reduced to a maximum of 12.5% to prevent OTA production.
