Major Coffee Pod Recall: Over 80,000 Keurig Pods Pulled Over Caffeine Error
Consumers who rely on Keurig machines for their daily brew are being urged to inspect their supplies carefully. A substantial recall has been initiated, affecting more than 80,000 individual coffee pods due to a critical labeling discrepancy.
Details of the Keurig Dr Pepper Recall
In December, the manufacturing giant Keurig Dr Pepper issued a voluntary recall for its McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods. The primary issue stems from a mislabeling error where pods marketed as decaffeinated may, in fact, contain caffeine. This oversight has prompted significant regulatory attention.
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) escalated the situation by reclassifying the recall as a Class II risk. This classification indicates that exposure to or use of the product could result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
Product Identification and Distribution
The affected products are specifically 84-count cartons of McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods. These were sold exclusively through Amazon. Key identifiers for the recalled boxes include:
- A "best-buy" date of November 17, 2026.
- Batch number 5101564894.
- Material number 5000358463 and ASIN B07GCNDL91.
Distribution was limited to three U.S. states: California, Indiana, and Nevada. In total, 960 cartons, equating to over 80,000 individual pods, are involved in this recall action.
Health Implications and Consumer Advice
While the product is not considered unsafe for the general population, it poses a specific risk to individuals with caffeine sensitivity or certain health conditions. The FDA notes that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily—approximately two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee—is generally safe for most healthy adults.
Keurig Dr Pepper has stated that all consumers who purchased the product were notified directly in mid-December, and the items were removed from sale at that time. The company advises customers who possess the recalled pods to either discard them or return them to their point of purchase for a full refund or a replacement.
A spokesperson for Keurig Dr Pepper emphasised the company's commitment to safety, stating: "We are committed to the highest standards of safety and quality in the products we produce and distribute." It is not currently known if any complaints have been received as a result of this error.
A Wider Pattern of Coffee Pod Recalls
This incident is not isolated within the coffee pod market. In a similar case last October, Gimme Coffee, Inc. voluntarily recalled its Gimme! Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods after discovering they contained caffeine instead of being decaffeinated. This recall was also later elevated to a Class II classification by the FDA.
The affected Gimme Coffee products, comprising 252 boxes of 10-count pods, were distributed across ten states, including Florida, New York, and Massachusetts. They can be identified by UPC 051497457990 and specific best-by dates. As of late October, the company had not received any customer complaints regarding the mix-up.
For the Gimme Coffee recall, customers are advised to contact the company directly or return the product to the place of purchase for a resolution.
These consecutive recalls highlight ongoing challenges in product labeling and quality control within the fast-moving consumer goods sector, underscoring the importance of vigilance for both manufacturers and consumers.
