Do Your Coffee Beans Have Insects? Here's What the Expert Has to Say

A recent viral video has sparked concerns about the presence of insects in coffee beans, leading many coffee lovers to question the safety and purity of their daily brew. Is there any truth to these claims? Here's what experts say about insects in coffee beans, and what it means for your morning cup.

The Reality of Insects in Coffee Beans

It's true that insects can be found in coffee beans. Coffee beans, both in their raw and stored states, are susceptible to infestation by various pests. The most common culprits include the coffee berry borer beetle and the coffee bean weevil. The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, is a tiny black beetle that burrows into coffee cherries and lays its eggs in the seeds (beans). The larvae then feed on the beans, causing damage and weakening them. The coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) is another common pest, particularly in warm and damp climates, that infests stored coffee and other seeds.

According to the FDA, insects or insect parts are, in fact, common trace elements found in both ground and whole-bean coffee sold to the public.

FDA Regulations and "Acceptable Levels"

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges that certain natural defects, including insects, are unavoidable in mass-produced raw products. The FDA has set a defect action level, allowing up to 10% or more of coffee beans to be infested by insects. This doesn't mean that any and all insects are acceptable. The FDA distinguishes between storage-related insects and other insects, like psocids, that are not typically associated with green coffee beans.

While the thought of insect parts in your coffee might be unappealing, the FDA assures that these levels are not harmful to human health. As the FDA's Food Defect Levels Handbook states, there is an acceptable level of the “presence of any live or dead life cycle stages of insects in a host product."

The Roasting Process: A Natural Sanitizer

The roasting process plays a crucial role in eliminating any potential risks associated with insects in coffee beans. Dietitian Dr. Shilpa Arora explains that the high heat during roasting effectively kills any unwanted organisms, including insects, making the beans safe for consumption. The roasting process also develops the characteristic aroma and flavor that coffee lovers enjoy.

Cleaning and Sorting Procedures

Before reaching consumers, coffee beans undergo rigorous cleaning and sorting processes. These steps ensure that impurities, insects, and other contaminants are removed. This meticulous care guarantees a clean and safe final product. According to an FDA guidance document, insects outside the beans can simply be sifted out or blown away before the beans are processed.

Expert Advice and Prevention

Flavio Meira Borém, a professor of Coffee Post-Harvest and Quality at the Universidade Federal de Lavras in Brazil, emphasizes the importance of proper drying to prevent fungal growth, which attracts insects. He also recommends thorough cleaning of warehouses to eliminate residual coffee and prevent contamination of new crops.

For consumers concerned about insects in their coffee, experts recommend the following:

• Buy whole bean coffee: This allows you to inspect the beans before grinding.
• Store coffee properly: Keep coffee beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent insect infestation.
• Trust the process: Be confident that the roasting and cleaning processes significantly minimize any potential health risks.

While the idea of insects in coffee beans might sound alarming, it's important to consider the facts. The FDA regulates the presence of insects in coffee, and the roasting and cleaning processes ensure that the final product is safe to drink.