In a recent flurry of safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall for bags of ground coffee that were erroneously labeled as decaffeinated. This alert encompasses several states, with Illinois included in the list of affected locales. According to the FDA, the recall pertains to Our Family Traverse Ground Coffee, sold in 12-ounce bags, as Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA voluntarily initiated this recall earlier in the month, now impacting consumers in 15 states. These states are Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The FDA has classified this mishap as a Class II recall, indicating that while the mislabeled coffee may induce temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, the odds of serious health problems are considered remote. This is a particular concern for individuals with medical conditions that necessitate a caffeine-free diet.
The coffee, which is distributed by SpartanNash Company out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, spots a best buy date of Aug. 3, 2025. It appears there is currently no guidance provided on the steps consumers should take with the recalled product. However, the inherent risks pertaining to caffeine consumption for those with specific health conditions or on certain medications should not be underestimated, as pointed out by Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin.
"If you have health problems or take medications, pay extra attention to how much caffeine you’re having. Caffeine can make medical conditions like heart problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, and others worse," according to a statement obtained by NBC Chicago. It should be noted that the FDA also warns that decaffeinated coffees and teas nonetheless contain some caffeine. For instance, decaf coffee typically has 2 to 15 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. This presents a valid concern for individuals who are particularly sensitive to the stimulant.
The recalled product is described as COFFEE ROASTERS Our Family TRAVERSE CITY CHERRY ARTIFICIALLY FLAVORED DECAF LIGHT ROAST GROUND COFFEE, with a net weight of 12 ounces per bag. As of now, 692 cases, each containing 6 bags, are subject to the recall. Consumers are encouraged to verify the UPC and best buy dates to identify affected items in their possessions.
