Research archive
Fungal Infection and Ochratoxin a Contamination in Stored Arabica Coffee Beans (Coffea Arabica) At Various Stages of the Delivery Chain in Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi Province
Abstract
The objectives of the
research were (a) to
obtain informations on postharvest
handling methods of Arabica
coffee beans (C. arabica) conducted
by farmers, collectors, traders, and exporters;
and (b) to investigate the degree of fungal infection (including
ochratoxin A or OTA producing fungi) and OTA contamination of stored Arabica coffee beans (C.
arabica) collected from various stages of the delivery chain in Tana Toraja
and North Toraja Regencies, Makassar Municipality, South Sulawesi Province. The
moisture contents and physical
quality were also determined, because they affect fungal infection. Surveys and sampling of Arabica coffee beans were conducted in May and July 2016. Interviews were conducted during the surveys to get information on postharvest handling methods of
coffee beans at various stages of the delivery chain. The total number of
respondents was 45 (24 farmers, 10 collectors, 7 traders and 4 exporters. Total
number of coffee bean samples was 64 (27 samples from farmers, 15 samples from
collectors, 13 samples from traders, and 9 samples from exporters). Shelling of
coffee berries, drying and storing of coffee beans conducted by farmers
were not appropriate. Postharvest handling process at collectors were
conducted faster. Unappropriate postharvest handling method conducted by
traders and exporters was on storing of coffee beans. Based on total defective value, grade of coffee beans collected from
farmers was the most diverse than other levels. Moisture content of coffee
beans collected from farmers and collectors were higher than maximum tolerable
limit determined by SNI