Should Coffee Products Come with a Cancer Warning?

Apr 17,2018

Last month, a Los Angeles judge ruled that coffee sellers must include a cancer warning to consumers on their products. The decision was a response to a lawsuit brought by the Council for Education and Research on Toxics. The suit alleged companies were violating California’s Proposition 65 by not warning consumers about a carcinogenic chemical present in coffee.

The chemical in question is acrylamide, which is classified as a carcinogen. The chemical is not present in the beans, but it is a byproduct of the coffee roasting process. It is one of the 900 chemicals on the state’s list of chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive issues.

What is Acrylamide?

A group of coffee companies, including Keurig Green Mountain, Folgers and Caribou, is now arguing against the warning. The companies claim that in last month’s trial they adequately proved the amount of the chemical is not enough to be dangerous. Moreover, acrylamide is a byproduct of the roasting process of coffee, and studies show that coffee consumption does not increase the risk of any chronic diseases.

Within the next few weeks, the judge will need to finalize his decision on the matter. From there, the coffee companies will go to trial over penalties for the violation and to determine the specific of the warning labels.

“Adequately warning consumers of the risks associated with products is important. Whether this particular warning would have an impact on public health is still unclear,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a defective product and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.