FDA issues recall on mislabeled coffee, raising consumer health concerns
Pranjal Chandra | Mar 29, 2025, 23:29 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
The FDA has recalled thousands of pounds of ground coffee mislabeled as decaffeinated, affecting 15 states. The mislabeled product poses health risks for consumers sensitive to caffeine, and the recall highlights concerns over food labeling accuracy and the need for stricter regulations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall of thousands of pounds of ground coffee that were mistakenly labeled as decaffeinated, raising concerns over potential health risks for consumers sensitive to caffeine. The recall affects coffee distributed across 15 states and was voluntarily initiated by Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, a major coffee supplier.
The affected product, Our Family Traverse City Cherry Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee, was sold in 12-ounce bags and distributed in retail stores across Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The FDA classified the recall under “Category II,” meaning that while the mislabeled coffee does not pose a life-threatening risk, it could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues for consumers.
The mislabeling incident has sparked concerns among healthcare professionals and consumers alike. Individuals who rely on decaffeinated coffee due to medical conditions—such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or caffeine sensitivity—may experience unintended side effects from consuming caffeine. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, anxiety, digestive distress, and difficulty sleeping.
While caffeine consumption is generally safe for most people, the unintended intake of caffeine by those avoiding it for health reasons can pose risks. Pregnant individuals and those with conditions requiring caffeine restrictions are particularly vulnerable.
"For individuals with heart conditions or caffeine sensitivities, even a moderate intake of caffeine can cause palpitations, dizziness, or discomfort," said Dr. Lisa Carter, a nutritionist and health expert. "Consumers trust labeling to make informed dietary choices, and errors like this can have real consequences."
Our Family, the brand under which the coffee was sold, issued a statement reassuring customers that none of their other products were affected by the recall.
"We are committed to your health and safety and follow best practices to ensure the quality and safety of the products we sell," the company said. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."
However, the response has not been enough to quell consumer frustration. Many coffee drinkers who purchase decaffeinated products specifically for health reasons took to social media to express their concerns. Some shared stories of experiencing unexpected symptoms after consuming the mislabeled coffee, while others demanded stricter regulatory measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FDA’s recall process is designed to protect public health, but this latest incident highlights the challenges in food and beverage labeling compliance. Recalls of mislabeled products are not uncommon, and experts argue that stricter regulations and routine quality checks are necessary to prevent such errors.
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, one of the largest coffee suppliers in the country, has not yet publicly addressed how the mislabeling occurred. Additionally, SpartanNash, the distributor responsible for supplying the product to retail stores, has yet to comment on the recall. The lack of transparency has only fueled consumer concerns about the effectiveness of oversight in the food and beverage industry.
The FDA advises consumers who purchased Our Family Traverse City Cherry Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee to check the product’s UPC code and expiration date. Affected consumers can return the product to the store for a full refund or dispose of it safely.
To avoid potential health risks, individuals who suspect they may have consumed the mislabeled coffee should monitor their symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any adverse effects.
This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate food labeling. Industry experts suggest implementing stricter quality control measures, including routine product testing and improved supply chain oversight, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Consumer advocacy groups are now pushing for enhanced federal regulations that require more stringent checks on food and beverage labeling before products reach store shelves. "Consumers rely on accurate labeling to make safe choices," said Mark Johnson, spokesperson for the Food Safety Advocacy Alliance. "Companies must be held accountable for ensuring that what they advertise is exactly what’s in the package."
As the investigation into how the labeling error occurred continues, both the FDA and food industry leaders are under increased pressure to reinforce consumer trust through more rigorous safety measures. In the meantime, affected consumers are urged to take precautions and stay informed about potential food safety risks.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining accuracy in food labeling and raises the question: How can the industry ensure that similar mistakes don’t happen again?
The affected product, Our Family Traverse City Cherry Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee, was sold in 12-ounce bags and distributed in retail stores across Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The FDA classified the recall under “Category II,” meaning that while the mislabeled coffee does not pose a life-threatening risk, it could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues for consumers.
Health risks of caffeine mislabeling
While caffeine consumption is generally safe for most people, the unintended intake of caffeine by those avoiding it for health reasons can pose risks. Pregnant individuals and those with conditions requiring caffeine restrictions are particularly vulnerable.
"For individuals with heart conditions or caffeine sensitivities, even a moderate intake of caffeine can cause palpitations, dizziness, or discomfort," said Dr. Lisa Carter, a nutritionist and health expert. "Consumers trust labeling to make informed dietary choices, and errors like this can have real consequences."
Company response and consumer reaction
"We are committed to your health and safety and follow best practices to ensure the quality and safety of the products we sell," the company said. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."
However, the response has not been enough to quell consumer frustration. Many coffee drinkers who purchase decaffeinated products specifically for health reasons took to social media to express their concerns. Some shared stories of experiencing unexpected symptoms after consuming the mislabeled coffee, while others demanded stricter regulatory measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FDA and industry oversight
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, one of the largest coffee suppliers in the country, has not yet publicly addressed how the mislabeling occurred. Additionally, SpartanNash, the distributor responsible for supplying the product to retail stores, has yet to comment on the recall. The lack of transparency has only fueled consumer concerns about the effectiveness of oversight in the food and beverage industry.
What to do If you have the recalled coffee
To avoid potential health risks, individuals who suspect they may have consumed the mislabeled coffee should monitor their symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any adverse effects.
Preventing future labeling mistakes
Consumer advocacy groups are now pushing for enhanced federal regulations that require more stringent checks on food and beverage labeling before products reach store shelves. "Consumers rely on accurate labeling to make safe choices," said Mark Johnson, spokesperson for the Food Safety Advocacy Alliance. "Companies must be held accountable for ensuring that what they advertise is exactly what’s in the package."
As the investigation into how the labeling error occurred continues, both the FDA and food industry leaders are under increased pressure to reinforce consumer trust through more rigorous safety measures. In the meantime, affected consumers are urged to take precautions and stay informed about potential food safety risks.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining accuracy in food labeling and raises the question: How can the industry ensure that similar mistakes don’t happen again?