Why Methylene Chloride is in Your Decaf Coffee

The Lyon Firm is reviewing class action claims related to the use of methylene chloride in decaffeinated coffee beans, potentially raising the cancer risk for millions of American consumers. Contact our toxic exposure lawyers to learn more about the health risks of decaf coffee and to discuss potential legal action.

In May 2024, the EPA said it would ban most industrial uses of methylene chloride, but the FDA still allows it to be used in foods.

Is it Safe to Drink Decaf Coffee?

Several reports have surfaced of food producers using an industrial solvent to decaffeinate coffee beans and some green teas. The health implications are not well-known, though methylene chloride (MC) has been labeled a carcinogen by multiple international health agencies, including National Institutes of Health’s National Toxicology Program, the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization.

Environmental groups, and a growing number of consumer protection law firms, have pushed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider a total ban on the chemical. The Environmental Protection Agency issued a ban on MC because it can allegedly cause certain cancers, neurotoxicity, and liver damage. There are alternative methods of decaffeinating coffee and tea, so it seems irresponsible for food companies to use an industrial toxin.

How is Coffee Decaffeinated?

During the decaffeination process, coffee beans are soaked in hot water to extract around 96 to 97 percent of the caffeine from the beans. The coffee beans are then removed from the water, and the solvent is added to bond with the caffeine.

To decaffeinate coffee and teas, some type of solvent is required. Soaking coffee beans in a heated solution with a solvent helps extract the caffeine. There are four primary solvents used globally, including methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, carbon dioxide, and simply hot water.

For decades, however, methylene chloride has been the most widely used method. The Food and Drug Administration is well aware of this, and has a clear mandate that indicates that the MC levels in decaf coffee cannot exceed 10 parts per million.

Most coffee brands tested consistently sit below those FDA limits, however, many health safety advocates claim that any ingestion of methylene chloride is hazardous to the health. Because it is possible to remove caffeine in a completely natural manner with the Swiss water method, free from cancer-causing chemicals, the health risk seems unnecessary.

A major concern voiced by advocates is the fact that many of the people who drink decaffeinated coffee, like pregnant women, are more vulnerable to trace chemicals.

The decaffeination process used on coffee and green tea can impact a type of antioxidant found in coffee called phenols. But studies have shown that the antioxidant levels in decaf coffee do not vary widely, depending on the method. In all of the aforementioned methods, decaf retains more than 80 percent of the original antioxidant levels compared to regular coffee.

What is Methylene Chloride?

Methylene chloride (MC) is a colorless solvent that can be used in stripping paint, metal cleaning and de-greasing industrial equipment. And it is also apparently used in your morning cup of decaf. Some in the coffee industry prefer MC to more natural decaffeinating methods because they say it is less likely to impact the coffee flavor. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation allows for up to 10 parts per million (ppm) of residual methylene chloride.

The Clean Label Project, an organization that tests consumer products for harmful contaminants, has detected methylene chloride in seven of 17 brands of coffee that they tested.

Our product liability lawyers have filed class action toxic exposure complaints on behalf of plaintiffs in all fifty states. We believe very strongly that food companies should be transparent with American consumers, and use the safest methods in the food production process. Should they fail to do so, they may be held liable for potential negligence. Call now for a free consultation and case review.