Cat Poop Coffee Cake Fails Bacteria Test

You’re biting into a decadent black forest cake at your favorite coffee chain when a lab test might reveal something far less sweet: dangerous levels of gut bacteria. In a recent crackdown, Shanghai’s consumer watchdog examined 40 desserts from 15 top coffee chains—and the results were alarming.

Yes, the infamous black forest cake sold by Kopi Luwak contained 2,400 MPN/100g of coliform bacteria, roughly eight times China’s national safety limit. A royal chocolate cake from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf also tested triple the safe level.

What the Tests Found

Shanghai Consumer Council inspectors purchased 40 random pastries from 15 well-known coffee shop chains. Lab analysis revealed multiple samples exceeding national standards for coliform bacteria, a group of microbes that indicate fecal contamination and poor hygiene. The worst offender was Kopi Luwak’s black forest cake, with 2,400 MPN/100g—nearly eight times the legal limit. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s royal chocolate cake had triple the allowed amount.

Why This Happens

The council identified several non-compliant practices in the cafes. Staff were seen not wearing masks, handling money then directly touching pastries, wiping serving plates with tablecloths, reusing the same disposable gloves, and cutting food outside designated hygienic areas. These breaches likely introduced harmful bacteria.

Industry Patterns

This isn’t an isolated issue. Last October, reports surfaced that a Beijing branch of Jin Feng Cheng Xiang pressured staff to sell returned pastries instead of discarding them. Soon after, its factory was exposed for unsanitary conditions. High-profile bakery and cafe brands continue to face scrutiny over poor food handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are coliform bacteria, and why are they dangerous?

Coliform bacteria are a broad class of microbes often found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Their presence in food indicates possible fecal contamination and a higher risk of pathogens like E. coli, which can cause serious foodborne illness.

How much coliform is too much in cafe desserts?

China’s national standard sets the safe limit for coliform bacteria in pastries at 300 MPN/100g. Any dessert exceeding this may pose a health risk, especially to vulnerable individuals.

Which coffee chain’s cake had the worst contamination?

Kopi Luwak’s black forest cake tested at 2,400 MPN/100g—over eight times the national limit. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s royal chocolate cake had three times the allowed level.

What unsafe practices were observed in the cafes?

The Shanghai Consumer Council reported employees not wearing masks, handling cash then touching food, cleaning plates with tablecloths, reusing gloves, and preparing food outside proper hygiene zones.

Has this kind of issue happened before in coffee chains?

Yes. In late 2023, Jin Feng Cheng Xiang faced criticism for reselling returned pastries and was later exposed for factory hygiene violations.

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