Key Takeaways
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Cascara Ban | Banned due to safety concerns under EU’s Novel Food Regulation for containing harmful compounds when consumed in large quantities. |
| Sustainability Potential | Cascara represents an eco-friendly solution for reducing waste in the coffee industry, but faces regulatory hurdles. |
| Lipem’s Approach | Lipem employs sustainable practices like solar energy and waste reduction in the chocolate industry. |
| Future Prospects | Ongoing research on cascara’s safety may eventually lift the ban, allowing companies like Lipem to explore its use in upcycled food products. |
What is Cascara?
Cascara is simply the dried outer husk of coffee cherries – and its taste is more like tea than coffee. It has long been an underutilised byproduct of the coffee industry in western society.
However, in many other countries, its potential has long been explored for use in teas, supplements, and even food products – thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and nutrients.
But despite its promising benefits, the EU and UK have imposed a ban on cascara due to concerns about its safety as a ‘novel food‘. So, why is cascara banned, and what does this mean for Lipem’s sustainability efforts in the chocolate industry?
Why Cascara is Banned in Australia, Europe & the US.
Cascara is classified as a “novel food” in the EU and UK, which means it falls under harsh regulations that require comprehensive safety testing before being allowed on the market.
- Potential Harmful Compounds
One of the main reasons for the ban is the potential presence of harmful compounds in cascara that could cause adverse health effects on humans and animals if consumed in large quantities.
2. Lack of Historical Data
Since cascara hasn’t been widely consumed as food before 1997 in western society, it lacks the historical data needed to fast-track its approval under EU food laws.
Regardless, cascara has long been brewed in Yemen and Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee culture, where they are called quishr or hashara.
Recent Studies.
Despite the above, a 2022 study by the European Commission concluded that ‘Taking into account the nature of the novel food (NF), the history of use of the NF as food and the proposed uses and use levels, no toxicological studies are required on the NF. The risk of allergic reactions to the NF is considered low. The Panel concludes that the NF, dried husk of the fruit of Coffea arabica L., is safe under the proposed conditions of use.‘ European Food Safety Authority.
The Environmental Potential of Cascara.
Despite the ban, cascara holds promise from an environmental standpoint. In the coffee industry, large amounts of waste are generated from the coffee cherry, with only the inner bean being used for coffee production.
Cascara, which makes up a significant portion of this waste, can be repurposed and upcycled into new products such as:
- Tea
- Food supplements
- Compost and bio fuel – thereby reducing environmental waste and promoting a circular economy as a business opportunity for small farmers.
At Agrobio INT, sustainability is a core value, and exploring eco-friendly practices like upcycling waste products aligns with the company’s mission.
Though cascara is currently not permitted in food products, the drive to find sustainable alternatives remains strong, as companies like ours seek new ways to reduce waste while producing high-quality chocolates.
By keeping an eye on the evolving regulations and new research surrounding cascara, companies committed to eco-conscious practices can stay ahead of the curve.
How Agrobio INt Incorporates Sustainable Practices.
Much like cascara in the coffee industry, Agrobio Int is committed to reducing waste in our chocolate-making process.
- SOLAR USE – Our company already employs eco-friendly practices by using solar energy for cocoa drying and sourcing high-quality, natural ingredients for our range of chocolates.
2. BY-PRODUCT CONVERSION – Cocoa by-products such as nibs are resold and bark is converted into compost for use by local farmers.
3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – Moreover, by supporting local farmers by creating cooperatives and ensuring that nothing goes to waste, Agrobio INT is exploring innovative methods for a greener future.
Conclusion.
Though cascara is currently banned in certain regions, more ongoing research could lead to its reclassification as a safe and valuable food product.
Agrobio Int is dedicated to staying informed about these developments and integrating innovative, sustainable solutions that align with its core mission. So whether it’s through upcycling cocoa husks or finding alternative uses for byproducts, Agrobio Int remains at the forefront of sustainability in the chocolate industry in Cameroon.