Starbucks must warn of cancer in California.
In 2010, the NGO Cert sued Starbucks and around 90 other companies at the Los Angeles Supreme Court for failing to alert consumers to the potential cancer threat of acrylamide in coffee. A few days ago there was now the Judgement. Thereafter, the sued California companies must place warnings on their coffee products. Enough reason to take a closer look at the stuff.
- Acrylamide has been a topic in Europe since 2002, after Swedish scientists found the substance by chance in foods and considered it to be potentially carcinogenic.
- The chemical compound is produced in manufacturing processes such as roasting or frying potatoes, drying crispbread and baking pizza, bread and biscuits.
- The formation of acrylamide occurs when carbohydrate-containing foods are heated to more than 120° C.
- The longer and hotter, the more acrylamide is produced.
- Unfortunately, this also applies to the roasting of coffee.
And now?
- Since 11 April 2017, manufacturers have had to take various measures to reduce the acrylamide content according to EU Regulation 2017/2158.
- Unfortunately, this means white rolls and baggy fries.
- And also for coffee new rules apply. So more Arabica and less Robusta beans should be used. The coffee roasters are also supposed to think about their blends and check the roasting process, according to the EU.
- It is so simple – specialty coffee instead of industrial coffee! It is usually lighter and roasted at much lower temperatures.
Until April 10, 2018, the companies in LA can still object.
In any case, I think cafés and roasters should also warn that coffee make awake and you can die from drinking 200 cups of double espresso at once.