Nespresso coffee machines contaminated bacterially, according to an investigation

Examination: Almost 70 different germs detected in capsule coffee machines
Capsule coffee makers are becoming increasingly popular. Although it has long been criticized that this form of preparation leads to a huge waste problem, but that does not prevent many people from brewing their coffee in this way. But scientists have also shown that capsule machines are true germicides.

Gigantic garbage problem
In Germany alone, it is estimated that around 5,000 tonnes of aluminum and plastic waste per year will be produced from around three billion coffee capsules. The environmental record of this form of coffee preparation is certainly not good. Nevertheless, capsule coffee machines are becoming increasingly popular. Above all, the Swiss Nestlé subsidiary Nespresso can assert itself well on the market. Although, among other things, a study by Stiftung Warentest showed that even cheap coffee capsules are usually good, but many consumers are more likely to rely on the big names. In addition to the damage to the environment is now another criticism added. Scientists have detected up to 67 different germs in several capsule coffee machines. For some people, this could lead to a health risk.

The coffee capsules are not only a significant burden on the environment, in the machines can also collect harmful germs. (Image: Daniela Stärk / fotolia.com)

Almost 70 different germs in coffee machines
Although some substances in coffee have an antibacterial and sometimes even germicidal effect, researchers from Spain have now proven that capsule coffee machines can be true germicides. Scientists at the Universidad de Valencia have found in a study almost 70 different germs in the collection containers for spent capsules and drip trays. For the study, the results of which were published in the scientific journal "Scientific Reports", the researchers tested ten different machines of the Nespresso capsule system. These machines in use were in use for at least one year in offices or in private households. They were used by three to 20 coffee drinkers, and it was at least 20 cups of coffee per day prepared.

Clean collecting container and drip trays regularly
According to the team led by Cristina Vilanova, up to 67 different germs could be found in the receptacles containing the used coffee capsules. The drip pans under the coffee spout may also be stressed if they are not cleaned regularly. In a further step, the scientists made a test with a new machine, with which five coffee capsules were processed daily. Also in their collecting container, a comparable bacterial environment had formed after two months, as in the machines of the first series of experiments. The bacteria survive despite the germicidal properties of the coffee. In order to reduce the germ load, it is therefore urgently necessary to regularly empty and clean drip trays and drip trays.

Health risks for weakened persons
According to the data, the scientists found germs from the group of enterococci and pseudomonas in all machines. Enterococci are especially for people whose immune system is already weakened and for young children a health risk. They are prone to urinary and gastrointestinal infections, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa can harm healthy people. But for certain high-risk patients, whose immune system is already weakened, the germ represents a serious health risk, especially as he is often particularly resistant to antibiotics. In addition to these two germs, the researchers also found Stenotrophomonas, Sphingobacterium, Acinetobacter and some other pathogens. However, as reported by "t-online.de", the researchers are less concerned with the health effects of the germs found. In the study, they write: "The bacterial communities first discovered here are potentially useful for biotechnologically relevant processes, including decaffeination and bioremediation." (Ad)