Decaffeinated coffee might not be as harmless as it seems due to the use of chemicals like methylene chloride in the decaffeination process. While the National Coffee Association defends decaf coffee, citing its health benefits, there's a growing concern about the potential risks associated with these chemicals. The FDA currently allows a small amount of methylene chloride to remain on decaf beans, but this regulation is under scrutiny. Alternatives like the CO2 and Swiss Water processes offer chemical-free decaffeination, and organizations like the Clean Label Project are working to ensure safer decaf coffee options. Consumers worried about chemical exposure can choose brands that have been verified as free of methylene chloride or opt for solvent-free, chemical-free, or organic decaf coffee.
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