I saw at the recent Taste of Jo’burg that Kopi Luwak coffee is being sold in SA now. I had heard of this coffee before and know that it’s made from the faeces (yes, the poo) of Asian Palm civits which contains partically digested coffee beans which are then procesed into coffee. Apparently this partial digestion makes all the difference. Personally, it’s not something I would have ever consumed (because I think it’s rather gross) but after reading the latest NSPCA newsletter I know feel obliged to tell everyone that you also should not drink it – and it goes beyond your turning stomach:

Kopi Luwak suppliers would have your believe that the coffee is “wild-sourced” from civits that roam freely in th jungle and eat and poop coffee beans at leisure. Historically, this may have been the case and is probably one of the reasons why the coffee is so expensive. I am sure finding coffee poop in the jungle is no easy feat.

However, increased demand has changed this and for the worse for the animals who provide this commodity. Asian Palm civits are now being captured in the wild and being caged as part of intesive farming units. These farms are in Asia and two in Vietnam are alleged to have over 300 animals each living in cages. They are fed a combination of coffee and fruit after which their faeces is collected.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) recently launched an investigation into these allegations and found the animals are kept in appauling conditions and refuted the “wild-sourced” claims.

So, basically, something which people consume as a luxury results from animals being treated creully. Remind you of Pâté de foie gras anyone?

It is unnaccetable that some people’s expensive morning kick comes at the cruel expence of another living creature. This practice needs to be stopped and the only way to do it is to refuse Kopi Luwak and stock supporting retailers that sell it.

Please spread the word as I believe this is an issue few people are aware of. For the complete NSPCA article visit http://www.nspca.co.za/#%2FNews%2F2671%2FThe-Cruellest-Cup-you’ll-ever-drink!