Two prominent coffee retailers have initiated voluntary product recalls after discovering that certain batches of their decaffeinated coffee pods may contain caffeine due to labelling errors, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Keurig Dr Pepper's McCafé Recall
Keurig Dr Pepper has issued a voluntary recall affecting over 80,000 units of McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods. The recall was prompted by a labelling mistake where these pods, marketed as decaffeinated, were found to potentially contain caffeine. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this recall as a Class II risk, indicating a situation where exposure to the product might cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
Affected Products and Distribution
The recalled Keurig pods can be identified by specific batch numbers and best-by dates. These products were distributed in three US states: California, Indiana, and Nevada. Customers who have purchased these pods are strongly advised to discard them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund to avoid any health complications.
Gimme Coffee's Simultaneous Recall
In a separate but related development, Gimme Coffee, Inc. has also announced a voluntary recall of 252 boxes of its Gimme! Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods. This recall is for a similar labelling error, where the decaf pods were incorrectly packaged and may contain caffeine. The affected Gimme Coffee products were distributed across ten different US states, broadening the scope of the recall.
Consumer Actions and Recommendations
For the Gimme Coffee recall, customers are encouraged to contact the company directly or return the product to the retailer for a replacement or refund. Both companies have emphasised the importance of this recall, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions where caffeine intake could be harmful.
The simultaneous recalls highlight ongoing challenges in food and beverage labelling accuracy and underscore the critical role of regulatory oversight by bodies like the FDA in safeguarding public health.
