How to read coffee lab testing without getting played

“Third-party tested” is not enough. You want the boring details: lab, batch, date, analytes, methods, limits, and results.

Heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury should be listed with numeric results and limits.

Mycotoxins: ochratoxin A and aflatoxins are the core mold-related claims to verify.

Pesticides: organic certification helps, but residue testing is stronger when a brand claims ultra-clean status.

Microbial quality: useful for storage and handling claims, especially when brands talk loudly about mold.

Batch identity: the report should connect to the coffee being sold now, not a heroic ancient sample from a different lot.