FDA Class II Recall Announced for Ground Coffee: Reasons, Affected Locations, and Detailed Information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a Class II recall for Our Family’s Traverse City Cherry-Flavored Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee. This recall, initiated by Massimo Zanetti Beverage—responsible for sourcing and processing the coffee—occurred voluntarily on March 13, with the FDA formally classifying it as a Class II concern on March 25.

Details of the Recall

This recall stems from the mislabeling of certain bags that inaccurately advertised the product as ‘decaffeinated.’ A total of 4,152 12-ounce bags are affected, packaged across 692 cases and distributed in 15 different states.

States Impacted by the Recall

The following states received the recalled coffee:

  1. Colorado
  2. Iowa
  3. Illinois
  4. Indiana
  5. Kansas
  6. Kentucky
  7. Michigan
  8. Minnesota
  9. North Carolina
  10. North Dakota
  11. Nebraska
  12. Ohio
  13. South Dakota
  14. Wisconsin
  15. Wyoming

Despite the FDA’s involvement, there have been no official press releases from either the FDA or Massimo Zanetti Beverage regarding the recall. The specific product information is outlined as follows:

“COFFEE ROASTERS Our Family TRAVERSE CITY CHERRY ARTIFICIALLY FLAVORED DECAF LIGHT ROAST GROUND COFFEE NET WT 12 OZ (340g) UPC 0 70253 11080 1 DISTRIBUTED BY THE SPARTANNASH COMPANY GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49518

Consumers are also advised to check the best-before date, which is set for August 3, 2025.

Potential Risks of Consuming the Recalled Coffee

This recall is classified as Class II, suggesting a mid-level risk. According to the FDA, a Class II recall occurs under circumstances where the use or exposure to a product could lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues, with serious consequences being unlikely.

The issue arises from caffeinated bags being mislabeled as decaffeinated, presenting a particular risk for individuals who avoid caffeine for health reasons. Health experts, including Dr. Devries from the AMA, emphasize that decaffeinated coffee isn’t entirely caffeine-free, containing lower polyphenol levels.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a typical 8-ounce serving of brewed coffee contains about 96 mg of caffeine, while decaf offers roughly 1 mg. While a healthy adult can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily, certain groups—such as pregnant women and individuals on specific medications—should exercise caution.

Customers within these vulnerable categories, or those who have recently begun new medications, are strongly urged to review their coffee products for any that may be part of this recall. Unlike many FDA recalls, the brand has not provided information regarding refunds or replacements. As a precaution, consumers are advised to discard any affected items.

Source & Images

© 2021 The Filibuster Blog