Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA has issued a recall for bags of Our Family Traverse Ground Coffee after some were mislabeled as decaffeinated, the FDA reported. The voluntary recall, announced on March 13, affects 15 U.S. states, including Illinois. The affected coffee, sold in 12-ounce bags, is distributed by SpartanNash Company and has a “best buy” date of August 3, 2025. Consumers are advised to check their coffee bags for possible labeling errors, as consuming the incorrect product may pose risks for those sensitive to caffeine.
Coffee Recall Details and Affected States
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, the company behind the popular Our Family Traverse Ground Coffee, has voluntarily recalled certain batches due to a labeling error. Some of the coffee bags were incorrectly labeled as decaffeinated, even though they contain caffeine. This mislabeling could pose a health risk for individuals sensitive to caffeine or those who need to avoid it due to medical conditions.
The recall was issued on March 13 and covers coffee bags sold in 15 U.S. states, including Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The full list of affected states is as follows:
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Colorado
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Iowa
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Kansas
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Kentucky
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Missouri
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Minnesota
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North Carolina
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North Dakota
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Nebraska
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Ohio
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South Dakota
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Wisconsin
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Wyoming
The recalled coffee is sold in 12-ounce bags, with the best buy date of August 3, 2025, printed on the packaging. Consumers who purchased the product in these states should be cautious, as consuming coffee with unintended caffeine could lead to adverse health effects, especially for those with certain medical conditions.
What Is a Class II Recall?
The recall has been classified as a “Class II” by the FDA. A Class II recall refers to a product that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the likelihood of serious harm is remote. While the mislabeling of coffee is not expected to result in life-threatening consequences, it is still a concern for people with specific health conditions.
Potential Health Risks of Caffeine Mislabeling
Caffeine is commonly consumed in coffee, tea, and various other beverages. However, it can cause serious health problems for people with certain medical conditions, including heart issues, diabetes, and osteoporosis. For example, people taking medications for these conditions may have to limit their caffeine intake.
Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin advises consumers to pay close attention to their caffeine consumption, especially if they have pre-existing health concerns or are on medications. “Caffeine can exacerbate health issues such as heart problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, and others,” the health provider cautioned.
Though decaffeinated coffee contains much less caffeine than regular coffee, it still has small amounts—typically between 2 to 15 milligrams per 8-ounce cup. For individuals highly sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts can cause discomfort, including insomnia, jitteriness, or heart palpitations.
What Should Consumers Do?
As of now, there is no specific guidance on how consumers should dispose of the recalled coffee. The FDA recommends that anyone who may have purchased the affected product return it to the store or dispose of it safely. Consumers should also monitor their health for any potential adverse effects from caffeine if they have already consumed the product.
It is important to note that while decaffeinated coffee is a suitable choice for people looking to limit their caffeine intake, it does not completely eliminate caffeine from the drink. As mentioned, decaffeinated coffee may still contain enough caffeine to cause health issues for individuals with extreme sensitivity.
Consumers in affected states are urged to check their coffee bags for the affected batch numbers and best buy dates. If you’ve purchased Our Family Traverse Ground Coffee with the specified date, you should contact the retailer for a refund or return. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about caffeine intake, especially if you are managing a medical condition.
