Ochratoxin A (“OTA”) – Resources and Guidance
Several NCA Members have been visited by government food safety inspectors lately to assess compliance with Ochratoxin A (OTA) regulations. Is your coffee business next?
These inspections reflect increased enforcement of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) among food manufacturers and retailers, and are being conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state and local health inspectors.
What is Ochratoxin A (OTA)? Is OTA found in coffee?
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxin produced by certain molds that can be found in moldy coffee. Although OTA is seldom found in coffee, and is not known to have created health issues for coffee drinkers, coffee roasters and suppliers must be prepared to address inquiries from inspectors – or face the consequences.
How will your business respond if the government knocks on your door?
NCA has developed a resource kit, including a proprietary safety risk assessment, that is available exclusively to NCA members at no cost as a benefit of membership. These OTA resources should be part of every coffee business’s food safety plan. (If you don’t have food safety plans, we have you covered with NCA’s model FSMA Food Safety Plan Templates, another exclusive, no-cost NCA member benefit.)
NCA’s OTA resources include:
- A summary of the highly-complex topic of OTA as it relates to coffee
- A detailed, comprehensive safety risk assessment commissioned by NCA and conducted by highly-regarded experts in toxicology and human health
- Information on NCA’s advocacy efforts with regulators
- What you can do as a coffee supply chain partner
- Links to scientific and safety resources available to you exclusively as a member
Access OTA Resources
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