Investigation of Ochratoxin A Levels in Commercially Available Turkish Coffee and Risk Assessment
1TÜBİTAK Marmara Araştırma Merkezi, 41470 Gebze, Kocaeli, Türkiye.
Toxins
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Turkish coffee samples showed ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in 82% of cases. However, health risk assessments indicate low concern for both carcinogenic and kidney effects in the general population due to current consumption levels.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin found in various foods, including coffee.
- Turkish coffee is a popular beverage with widespread consumption in Türkiye.
- Assessing OTA levels and associated health risks in Turkish coffee is crucial for consumer safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in Turkish coffee.
- To assess potential health risks, including carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects, associated with current Turkish coffee consumption patterns.
- To characterize health risks using the Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach based on European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 65 ground and roasted Turkish coffee samples from Türkiye for OTA contamination.
- Calculation of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) based on mean OTA concentration.
- Health risk characterization using the MOE approach for different consumption scenarios (0.5, 1, and 3 cups/day).
Main Results:
- OTA contamination was detected in 82% (53 out of 65) of the analyzed Turkish coffee samples.
- Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of OTA was calculated at 0.1403 ng/kg body weight/day.
- MOE values for carcinogenic effects ranged from 34,450 to 206,847, and for non-carcinogenic kidney effects ranged from 11,238 to 67,475, all exceeding EFSA reference thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Turkish coffee consumption, at current levels, does not pose a significant OTA-related carcinogenic or non-neoplastic health risk to the general population.
- The study indicates a low level of concern for both cancer and kidney effects based on MOE calculations.
- Continued monitoring and control measures in the production chain are recommended to ensure long-term consumer safety given the beverage's popularity.
