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New: Authenticity testing for instant coffee now available at CR3-Analytik!

In recent years, the food industry has seen a notable shift towards product authenticity. There is a heightened expectation for businesses to deliver products that are not only safe but also authentic. One of the ways to ensure product authenticity is through chemical testing of products.

What are the benefits of authenticity testing?

1. Quality assurance: Ensure that your product meets the highest quality standards and is free from adulteration.

2. Transparency: Gain the trust of your customers by proving the purity of your product.

3. Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements and quality standards to minimize risks associated with product recalls or legal consequences.

In 1995, the Association of Soluble Coffee Manufacturers of the European Community (Association des Fabricants de Cafe Soluble des Pays de las Communaute Europeenne/AFCASOLE) defined criteria for the authenticity of instant coffee and this formed the basis of the currently used international instant coffee standard ISO 24114:2011 below:

These limits were established based on extensive analysis spanning several years and encompassing over 1000 diverse samples, representing various origins, qualities, and production methods. Authentic instant coffee should not contain maltose (consisting of two glucose molecules) and only small traces of xylose.

Maltose is found primarily in cereals and potatoes while xylose occurs mainly in sprouts and wood. A positive detection of one or more of these sugars therefore hints at a possible adulteration of the coffee with plant extracts. Indeed, commonly used instant coffee fillers include maltodextrin and grains such as chicory.

To help you verify the authenticity of your instant coffee, we now offer AFCASOLE testing using the HPAEC-PAD technique (high-performance anion-exchange chromatography/pulsed amperometric detection). This is the official reference method for AFCASOLE and ensures that results are valid and court-proof. Aside from being one of the few AFCASOLE testing providers worldwide, we are also able to offer a fast turnaround time of 7 business days. A shorter turnaround time is available upon request.

Please reach out if you have any questions or require further details. We would be happy to support you!