The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for thousands of pounds of ground coffee that were incorrectly labeled as decaffeinated. The recall, which was announced on March 13, affects multiple states and is classified as a “category II” recall, meaning the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
Details of the Recall
The recall involves hundreds of 12 oz bags of Our Family Traverse City Cherry Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee. According to the FDA, these mislabeled coffee products were distributed and sold in 15 states, including Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The recall was voluntarily initiated by Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, one of the country’s largest coffee suppliers. The company, along with distributor SpartanNash, has been working to address the issue. However, neither company has provided immediate comments regarding the recall.
Understanding Decaffeinated Coffee
Many consumers rely on decaffeinated coffee to avoid caffeine due to health reasons or personal preference. Decaffeination is the process of removing most of the caffeine from coffee beans, leaving only a minimal amount. However, even decaffeinated coffee contains small traces of caffeine, usually about 2-5 mg per 8 oz cup, compared to the 70-140 mg found in regular coffee.
When coffee labeled as “decaf” actually contains high levels of caffeine, it can pose risks to individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or who need to avoid it for medical reasons.
Who May Be Affected?
Certain individuals should be particularly cautious when consuming caffeinated products, including:
- People with heart conditions: Caffeine can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may lead to complications for individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
- Pregnant women: High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight and other potential complications.
- Individuals with anxiety disorders: Caffeine can worsen symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia.
- People with acid reflux or ulcers: Caffeine can stimulate acid production in the stomach, worsening symptoms of GERD and digestive disorders.
Potential Health Consequences
Since the FDA categorized this recall as category II, it suggests that while the mislabeled coffee may not pose life-threatening risks, it could lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” These could include:
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Headaches or dizziness
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Increased anxiety or nervousness
Company Response and Consumer Actions
The Our Family brand has stated that none of its other coffee products are affected by this recall. “We are committed to your health and safety, and we follow best practices to ensure the quality and safety of the products we sell,” the company said in a statement. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
Consumers who have purchased the affected coffee are advised to stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those experiencing any health effects from unintended caffeine consumption should consult a healthcare professional.
Accurate Labeling
This incident highlights the importance of accurate labeling, particularly for food and beverage products that may impact consumers’ health. The recall serves as a reminder for manufacturers to enforce stringent quality control measures and for consumers to remain vigilant about the products they purchase and consume.
For more information on the recall and updates from the FDA, consumers can visit the official FDA recall page or contact the manufacturer directly.
