Decaffeinated Black Tea
Decaffeinated black tea retains polyphenols with antioxidant activity. FDA permits methylene chloride decaffeination with residual limits (≤10 ppm).
What it is
Black tea (Camellia sinensis) processed to remove most caffeine, typically via CO2, ethyl acetate, or methylene chloride extraction.
Beverage; flavor; antioxidant source.
Why it's flagged
- residual decaffeination solvents
- trace caffeine remains
What regulators actually say
"Methylene chloride may be present in decaffeinated coffee at residue levels not to exceed 10 parts per million."
"Methylene chloride was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Methylene chloride permitted residue ≤10 ppm under 21 CFR 173.255; ethyl acetate permitted under 21 CFR 173.228.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; solvent residues under Directive 2009/32/EC.
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