Coffee lovers, take note—Keurig Dr Pepper has initiated a recall of over 80,000 McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods due to a significant labeling error. The company revealed that these pods, although marketed as decaffeinated, may actually contain caffeine, raising potential health concerns for those sensitive to it.
What Happened?
Last month, Keurig Dr Pepper voluntarily issued the recall, but the situation escalated last week when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as a Class II risk. This classification indicates that while the product is generally safe to consume, there is a health risk associated with its consumption, particularly for individuals who may react adversely to caffeine.
The FDA recommends a maximum intake of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for most adults—equivalent to approximately two to three standard 12-ounce cups of coffee—without adverse effects. However, for those who are particularly sensitive, even small amounts can lead to unwanted side effects.
Affected Products
The recall specifically pertains to 960 cartons of the K-Cup Pods, which were distributed across California, Indiana, and Nevada. Each carton contains 84 individual pods, all identifiable by the “best buy” date of November 17, 2026, along with the batch number 5101564894. Additionally, customers can reference the material number 5000358463 and ASIN B07GCNDL91 to ensure they are checking the right products.
Keurig has not disclosed whether any complaints have been filed as a result of this mix-up. However, the company urges customers to either discard the affected pods or return them to the retailer for a refund or replacement.
A Similar Incident
This isn’t the first time a coffee pod has faced similar scrutiny. In October, Gimme Coffee, Inc. recalled its Gimme! Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods after discovering they contained caffeine despite being labelled as decaffeinated. This recall was also eventually classified as Class II. The impacted coffee pods, sold in boxes of ten, were distributed in several states, including Florida, Iowa, and New York, and can be identified by their UPC code 051497457990, along with packaging best-by dates of October 15, 2025, for outer packaging and September 30 for inner packaging.
As of late October, Gimme Coffee had not received complaints related to their recall, but customers in possession of the affected pods were advised to reach out for replacements or refunds.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased the recalled Keurig pods, it is crucial to check your pantry. Customers should either dispose of the pods or return them to the place of purchase for compensation. For those with questions regarding the Gimme Coffee recall, inquiries can be directed to their customer service at (607) 273-0111 or via email at orders@gimmecoffee.com.
Why it Matters
This recall underscores the importance of accuracy in food and beverage labeling, particularly for products that cater to specific dietary needs, such as decaffeinated coffee. In an era where many individuals are health-conscious and may rely on such labels for their caffeine intake, companies must ensure that their products are correctly labelled to prevent potential health risks. As consumers become more vigilant, incidents like these serve as a reminder for brands to uphold the highest standards of transparency and safety in their offerings.
