Anvisa Bans Three Coffee Brands Over Toxin Contamination

Anvisa Bans Three Brazilian Coffee Brands After Toxin Discovery Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has issued a ban on three instant coffee brands—Melissa, Pingo Preto, and Oficial—following the discovery of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin harmful to human health. The ban comes after the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) had already deemed these products unfit for consumption on March 25th due to high levels of impurities. "These products weren't coffee at all; they were made from agricultural waste," stated Hugo Caruso, director of the Department of Inspection of Products of Vegetable Origin (Dipov) at the Ministry of Agriculture. Anvisa's investigation revealed that the coffee substitutes contained not only ochratoxin A but also excessive amounts of foreign materials such as stones, sand, twigs, and leaves, exceeding the legally permitted 1% limit. The agency has ordered a complete recall of all affected batches from the market. This action underscores the importance of food safety regulations and consumer vigilance in protecting public health. Anvisa's swift response ensures consumers are protected from potentially harmful products.