Dubai, 18 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – A new investigation by the US-based nonprofit Clean Label Project has revealed that caffeinated coffee is largely safe from harmful toxins and contaminants, though certain risks remain present in some products.
The Clean Label Project, an independent consumer advocacy organization, specializes in testing food and beverage products for hidden contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers. The group’s latest study examined 45 popular coffee brands from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Peru, and Hawaii, conducting more than 7,000 laboratory tests.
Safe Overall, but Not Entirely Risk-Free
“While some contaminants were present, most were found at minimal levels and well below the European Union’s safety limits per 6-ounce serving. This means coffee is generally safe,” said Molly Hamilton, executive director of the Clean Label Project.
The study found:
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Glyphosate and AMPA (byproduct): While glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, was detected only in trace amounts, its byproduct AMPA was more common, including in 100% of the organic samples tested.
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Phthalates: Small amounts of these plasticizers, linked to reproductive and hormonal issues, were detected at higher levels in canned and pod coffee than in bagged coffee.
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Heavy Metals: Levels varied by origin, with the lowest in African coffees and the highest in Hawaiian samples, consistent with volcanic soil content.
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Acrylamide: Found in all samples, this chemical forms during roasting. Medium roasts contained the highest concentrations, while light and dark roasts showed lower levels.
Industry and Expert Response
David Andrews, acting chief science officer of the Environmental Working Group, said the results show packaging may be a key source of contamination. “The higher phthalate levels found in coffee pods and canned coffee suggest that packaging could be a meaningful source of these chemicals of concern,” he explained.
The National Coffee Association (NCA), which represents the US coffee industry, rejected concerns raised by the report.
“It is highly irresponsible to mislead Americans about the safety of their favorite beverage,” said William “Bill” Murray, NCA president and CEO. “Decades of independent scientific evidence show that coffee drinkers live longer, healthier lives.”
Organic Coffee Findings
Although organic coffees generally contained fewer contaminants than conventionally grown samples, all 12 organic coffees tested contained AMPA. According to Hamilton, this could result from environmental contamination via water or neighboring farms using pesticides.
“Still, the detection of AMPA in 100% of organic samples is a wake-up call,” Hamilton said. “We need stronger safeguards and greater transparency in our food system.”
What Consumers Should Do
The Clean Label Project stressed that coffee remains one of the cleanest products they have ever tested. However, Hamilton recommended practical steps for consumers:
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Choose dark or light roasts to reduce acrylamide intake.
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Prefer bagged coffee over cans or pods to lower phthalate exposure.
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Consider origin, as soil conditions influence heavy metal content.
“Our report isn’t meant to raise alarm or discourage coffee drinking,” Hamilton concluded. “It’s about empowering people to choose the cleanest and safest cup of coffee possible.”
