FDA issues warning about risks to consumers

More than 250 boxes of coffee pods have been recalled and given a level of risk to the consumer, the Food and Drug Administration announced last week. The product, give me! Decaf de Agua coffee pods were voluntarily recalled by New York-based Gimme Coffee, Inc., in late October due to a labeling error: The pods actually contain caffeine. On Dec. 11, the FDA designated the recall as Class II, the second highest risk level for possible adverse reactions.

The recalled boxes each contain 10 pods. While the outer packaging is labeled “Gimme!” Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods,” the pods inside say “Gimme!

You can recognize the recalled product by the following identifiers:

Net weight: 4.23 ounces
UPC: 051497457990
Expiration date: October 15, 2025 (outer packaging), September 30, 2025 (inner packaging)

A total of 252 boxes were distributed in these states:

• Florida
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• new York
• Ohio
• Wisconsin

The company said the product is safe to drink but, contrary to what the label suggests, contains caffeine, which could pose a risk to some people. A gift to me! A cafe employee discovered the labeling mix-up, and as of October 24, the business had not received any customer complaints.

A Class II designation means that the affected product could “cause adverse health consequences that are temporarily or medically reversible” or that “the likelihood of serious health consequences is low,” according to the FDA.

The agency notes that 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, or about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee, is generally not associated with negative effects, although sensitivity may vary among individuals.

Give me! Coffee advises anyone with the recalled product to contact the company for a return or replacement, or return it to the place of purchase. For questions, you can call (607) 273-0111 or email orders@gimmecoffee.com.