Öko-Test finds mineral oil:Two organic brands lose in the spaghetti test
by Florence-Anne Kälble
Pure enjoyment: spaghetti is delicious for young and old alike. But Öko-Test has found that the organic versions do not deliver what they promise with their seal.
Which spaghetti can convince in the eco-test?
Those: Colourbox.de
This test shows that organic manufacturers have no better control over mineral oil residues than conventional manufacturers.
Heike Baier, Öko-Test editor
MOSH/MOSH analogues increased in several products
Two organic own brands emerged as losers from the test: Edeka Organic Spaghetti, among others, failed with a rating of “poor”. The laboratory has detected saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOSH analogues) in levels that Öko-Test rates as “highly elevated”. MOSH/MOSH analogues are petroleum components that accumulate in human fatty tissue and organs.
According to Öko-Test, the value in the Edeka organic spaghetti was so exorbitantly high that it many times exceeded the reference value set by the State Working Group for Consumer Protection (LAV). In six other products, four of them organic, the levels were “increased” from Öko-Test’s point of view.
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Öko-Test surprised by mineral oil values
Edeka reacted to the test results from Öko-Test and explained that the proven content of MOSH/MOSH analogues could not be explained. However, according to Öko-Test, no research into the causes was carried out because the trading group had changed the supplier for the organic spaghetti before the laboratory results were announced.
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Several spaghetti products rated “very good”.
Among the organic varieties, the Alnatura Spaghetti and Rummo Organic Spaghetti No 3 were rated “very good”. In the conventional sector, for example, the Mondo Italiano Spaghetti from Netto and the Spaghetti No 5 from Barilla were also rated “very good”.
Spaghetti needs space when cooking and the pot should therefore be correspondingly large. As long, thin noodles, they should not be broken in half. The rule is: at least one liter of water per 100 grams of pasta. Bring the water to the boil, salt well, add the pasta to the boiling water and then reduce the temperature. Follow the cooking time stated on the package instructions so that the pasta is al dente, i.e. firm to the bite. If you want the sauce to nestle nicely against the pasta on the plate, you should avoid using oil in the water.
Glyphosate found in three products
Organic product has been devalued because of mold toxins
The spaghetti was analyzed in special laboratories for various pesticides and growth regulators, including glyphosate and its breakdown product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and glufosinate. The parameters examined also included mineral oil components, the heavy metal cadmium and a wide range of mold toxins from deoxynivalenol (DON) to HT-2 toxins. All packaging has been checked for chlorinated compounds. Chlorinated compounds and cadmium have not been detected or have only been detected in harmless traces.
If a Nutri-Score was advertised on the spaghetti packages, the testers calculated it. They also checked whether a realistic portion size was given. It was also checked whether the providers declare the fiber content of their product. From Öko-Test’s point of view, this is valuable information that also enables comparison, for example with whole grain spaghetti.