Most people don’t realize that the U.S. has no regulated limits for mycotoxins in coffee, the toxic byproducts left behind by mold. By contrast, the EU sets strict limits of 3–5 µg/kg for roasted coffee. 
This means coffee containing mold residue can legally be sold in the U.S. with zero oversight on those toxins.
Coffee is one of the foods susceptible to mold-producing fungi, and if you consume something with high levels of those mycotoxins, you can get sick.  The two most common culprits in coffee are Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin B1. Aflatoxin B1 is a known carcinogen, and regularly eating foods containing aflatoxins can increase your risk of liver cancer, cause birth defects, and lead to kidney and immune system problems.  Ochratoxin A has been shown to cause kidney damage in animals and may possibly cause cancer in humans. 
The risk is higher than many realize: lower-quality commodity coffee is more likely to be dried quickly, stored in bulk, and shipped without protective storage measures, the exact conditions where mold thrives.
The brands on this list go above and beyond by lab-testing their coffee for mold, mycotoxins, and other contaminants, so you can start your morning with a cup you can actually trust.
