Thousands of coffee packages labeled as decaffeinated actually contain regular caffeine content, putting unsuspecting consumers at risk across 15 states with the FDA issuing a Class II recall.
Quick Takes
- Almost 700 cases of Our Family Traverse City Cherry ground coffee were mislabeled as decaffeinated when they actually contain caffeine.
- The recall affects 4,152 packages sold across 15 states including Michigan, Illinois, and Colorado.
- The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, indicating potential temporary health consequences for caffeine-sensitive individuals.
- Affected products have UPC 0 70253 11080 1 and code “BEST BEFORE 080325 V 15:37 C”.
- Potential health risks include irregular heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, and adverse effects for those on certain medications.
Widespread Recall Details
A significant coffee recall is underway affecting consumers in 15 states. Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA initiated the recall for 692 cases (4,152 packages) of Our Family-branded Traverse City Cherry artificially flavored ground coffee. The 12-ounce packages were incorrectly labeled as decaffeinated when they actually contained regular caffeinated coffee. The FDA officially classified this as a Class II recall, indicating the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences.
Consumers should check their coffee packages for the UPC code 0 70253 11080 1 and the marking “BEST BEFORE 080325 V 15:37 C” to determine if their product is affected. The SpartanNash Company distributed the mislabeled coffee across Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Despite the widespread distribution, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA has not issued a public press release about the recall.
Coffee recall alert! The FDA has recalled Our Family Traverse City Cherry Decaf coffee due to mislabeling—some bags may contain caffeine. Affected states: CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, NC, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI, WY. Check your pantry! https://t.co/8EuZNpHAyc #CoffeeNews #Recall
— Java Kidz (@javakidz24) March 28, 2025
Health Risks for Caffeine-Sensitive Consumers
The mislabeling presents genuine health concerns for individuals who intentionally avoid caffeine. Those with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and people taking specific medications could experience adverse reactions from unknowingly consuming caffeine. This recall highlights the importance of accurate food labeling, particularly for substances that can affect health conditions or interact with medications. Many consumers specifically choose decaffeinated products to manage medical issues.
Medical professionals have long advised caution regarding caffeine consumption for certain populations. The mistake in labeling could expose vulnerable individuals to caffeine concentrations far higher than the trace amounts normally found in decaffeinated products. According to health experts, symptoms of excessive caffeine consumption include increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, jitters, upset stomach, nausea, and headache.
Consumer Guidance and Company Response
The FDA has not provided specific instructions for consumers who purchased the affected coffee. However, those who intentionally avoid caffeine should check their Our Family brand coffee against the recall information. The FDA classifies this recall as Class II, indicating that while the product is unlikely to cause serious adverse health consequences, it poses temporary health risks to certain individuals with caffeine sensitivity or medical concerns.
Our Family Foods, which markets itself as “a purpose-driven brand committed to quality and community connection,” has not publicly addressed the recall. According to their marketing materials, “Our commitment to quality has remained the same, generation after generation.” FOX Business reportedly reached out to Our Family Foods for comment but received no immediate response. The recall remains ongoing as thousands of potentially mislabeled packages may still be in consumers’ homes.
Sources:
Coffee Recall in 15 States as FDA Sets Risk Level
Bags of ground coffee recalled in 15 states in the US, including Illinois: FDA
Thousands of pounds of ground coffee recalled due to mislabeling error: FDA
