Decaffeinated Coffee
Decaffeinated coffee retains coffee's antioxidant constituents with reduced caffeine (~97%+ removed). Methylene chloride solvent residues are limited by FDA to ≤10 ppm in decaffeinated ground coffee under 21 CFR 173.255.
What it is
Coffee from which most caffeine has been removed by solvent (methylene chloride, ethyl acetate), water (Swiss water), or supercritical CO2 process.
Beverage; ingredient in flavored foods.
Why it's flagged
- solvent residues if methylene chloride decaffeination
- GERD aggravation in sensitive individuals
What regulators actually say
"Methylene chloride may be used as a solvent in the decaffeination of coffee... residues shall not exceed 10 parts per million in decaffeinated roasted coffee."
"Annex I lists extraction solvents authorised for use during processing of foodstuffs or food ingredients with specified maximum residue limits."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Solvent residues regulated under 21 CFR 173.255 (methylene chloride ≤10 ppm) and 21 CFR 173.228 (ethyl acetate).
European Union — EFSA
Decaffeination solvents and residues regulated under EU Directive 2009/32/EC on extraction solvents.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app