Decaf coffee, though less popular than its caffeinated counterpart, still holds a significant place among American coffee drinkers, with 10% of them opting for this variety. However, Michigan might soon see decaf disappear due to regulatory changes concerning the use of methylene chloride—a key chemical in the decaffeination process known as the European Method. The FDA has proposed a ban on this chemical in food products due to its potential health risks, though it is currently permitted in very small amounts. This ban could force decaf producers to switch to alternative, more costly decaffeination methods, potentially impacting the availability and price of decaf coffee in Michigan and possibly beyond.
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