FDA is Considering a Ban on this Starbucks Coffee

Is Coffee Healthy? The FDA Investigates Decaf Coffee's Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing whether a chemical commonly used to produce decaffeinated coffee should be banned. Methylene chloride, a solvent that binds to and extracts caffeine from coffee beans, is widely used in decaffeination processes by major chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts.

Concerns have been raised about its safety, particularly because studies have linked the chemical to cancer in rats. Critics point to the 1958 Delaney Clause, which prohibits food additives that are found to induce cancer in humans or animals.

The FDA’s Review and Its Potential Impact

A petition from the Environmental Defense Fund urging the FDA to ban methylene chloride in decaf coffee is under consideration. A decision is expected within a few months. If the FDA decides to act, this could significantly disrupt the availability of decaf coffee in the United States, impacting an estimated 10 million consumers who rely on it. Advocates for the ban argue that the Delaney Clause provides sufficient legal grounds to prohibit the chemical’s use.

Historical Precedents in Food Safety Regulation

The Delaney Clause has been successfully invoked in the past. In 2018, campaigners used it to secure a ban on seven artificial food flavorings found in products like ice cream and candy. These additives were prohibited despite the FDA stating there was "reasonable certainty that the substances do not harm under the intended conditions of use."

The Debate Around Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride remains present in trace amounts in decaf coffee, with most of it removed during the decaffeination process or destroyed during roasting. Toxicologists argue that the residual levels are negligible, often less than what might be found in boiling water. Nonetheless, studies have linked the chemical to cancer in both animals and humans when exposed to higher doses.

Research dating back to 1986 has demonstrated that rodents exposed to airborne methylene chloride developed tumors in the lungs and liver. A 2013 meta-analysis involving over 3,000 adults found an increased risk of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, among individuals exposed to the chemical. The participants, primarily workers manufacturing camera film, were regularly exposed to 20 to 40 parts per million through inhalation. Similar studies have also suggested links to brain, breast, and liver cancer.

California Leads the Way in Restrictive Measures

California has recently enacted laws banning food additives linked to cancer, granting companies three years to comply or face significant fines. The state is also considering its own ban on decaf coffee made with methylene chloride. These measures could set a precedent for broader federal action.

Alternatives to Methylene Chloride

There are alternative methods for decaffeinating coffee, such as the Swiss Water Process, which uses steam to extract caffeine. This method is considered safer but is more expensive and less efficient than the widely used European method involving methylene chloride. Bill Murray, president of the National Coffee Association, emphasized the potential ramifications of a ban, stating, “Decaf would certainly be in short supply if baseless bans are pushed through at federal and state levels. The majority of Decaf is made using the European Method [that’s using methylene chloride] and has been for more than 50 years. Unjustified bans would, in fact, deprive decaf drinkers of the significant health benefits evidence shows are associated with drinking coffee; European decaf method included.”

The Health Debate Surrounding Coffee

While the FDA continues its review, the controversy underscores broader questions about the health benefits and risks of coffee consumption. Studies have long touted the potential advantages of drinking coffee, including improved heart health and longevity. For decaf drinkers, the method used in processing their coffee has now become a central focus.

Conclusion

As the FDA reviews the petition, the debate over methylene chloride highlights the tension between ensuring consumer safety and maintaining access to widely consumed products. If a ban is enacted, manufacturers may need to overhaul their processes, potentially leading to a significant shift in the decaf coffee market. Consumers concerned about the safety of their decaf coffee may opt for alternatives processed using the Swiss Water Method, which is widely regarded as the safest option available.

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