Frequently asked questions about the release of lead from coffee and espresso machines

During a research project involving the release of metals from metallic materials and articles with food contact and the transfer of these metals to the food, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment tested eight brand new coffee machines for household use. These comprised three portafilter, three coffee pad and two capsule espresso machines.

Excessive lead release was measured in portafilter espresso machines.

Distinct differences in the quantities of lead released were measured for the different types of coffee and espresso machines. One of the tested portafilter machine released high levels of lead compared to the tested coffee pad and capsule machines, especially after descaling, whereas others hardly released any lead.

Publication of the names of the products and manufacturers is not intended. The tests were conducted by the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment within the scope of a research project. Due to the small number of samples, the data are not representative, nor is the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment involved in the control of food and commodities. As responsibility lies here with the surveillance authorities of the federal states, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has notified them of the results of the tests.

Portafilter espresso machines can release high levels of lead after descaling. To reduce lead intake, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is advising that consumers rinse their machines thoroughly after descaling. The rinsing procedure stipulated by the manufacturer should be repeated and it is also recommended that coffee machines be rinsed through every day in line with the manufacturers’ instructions before preparing any espresso or coffee (one cycle with water only).

The lead could have been dissolved out of the metal parts by the acidic descaling products.

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment does not know where the lead in the samples comes from. It is assumed at the institute that components inside the machines, as well as soldered connections, could contribute to the release of lead.

There is no legally determined limit value in the EU for the release of metals from metallic food contact materials, but the European Council has recommended a release limit for lead based on the permissible lead content in drinking water. The European Council’s resolution on metals and alloys for food contact stipulates an upper limit of 10 µgshort formicrogram/kgshort forkilogram for the release of lead in food. The European Council neverthless considers a lead release of up to 40 µgshort formicrogram/kgshort forkilogram of food to be acceptable. More information on the resolution is contained in the European Council website External Link:http://www.edqm.eu/en/Cosmetics-packaging-guides-1486.html.

The Official Chemical and Veterinary Control Office in Stuttgart conducted investigations on the release of lead from fully automatic coffee and espresso machines in 2007 and 2011. Whereas three out of 17 tested machines showed increased levels of lead release in 2007, a quality improvement was established during the second examination period in which no lead release was detected (quantitation limitClose dialogquantitation limitLimit of QuantificationTo glossary for lead: 0.005 mgshort formilligram/l of test water).

See (in german): External Link:http://www.cvuas.de/pub/beitrag.asp?subid=1&Thema_ID=3&ID=1559