Methylene chloride is a hazardous solvent used in food manufacturing, including making decaffeinated coffee. In May 2024, the EPA announced it would ban most industrial uses of the chemical, but the FDA still allows it in food.
EPA bans most uses of methylene chloride
Methylene chloride is a solvent used for a variety of industrial, commercial, and food manufacturing purposes. The chemical is used as a paint stripper and in the production of refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, and furniture. It is also used to decaffeine coffee and to make spice extracts.
However, methylene chloride is a dangerous chemical that has been linked to dozens of untimely deaths. And while this chemical is only present in trace amounts in decaf coffee, long-term exposure is correlated with cancer risk.
On May 8, 2024, EPA finalized a rule banning consumer uses of methylene chloride and most commercial and industrial uses under EPA jurisdiction. The rule includes several exceptions, including electric vehicle batteries, the production of certain types of environmentally sustainable chemicals, laboratory use, and military use. For permitted uses, EPA requires workplace safety protections. The final rule will go into effect on July 8, 2024, but the use of banned chemicals will be phased out over two years.
However, because the use of this chemical in food is the responsibility of FDA, not EPA, this final rule does not affect current uses of this solvent in food.
CSPI is asking the FDA to ban the use of methylene chloride in food.
On March 11, 2024, CSPI sent a letter to FDA expressing support for two petitions filed by the Environmental Defense Fund and other organizations. The petition requested that the FDA revoke approval for the use of methylene chloride and three other solvents: benzene, ethylene dichloride, and trichlorethylene (TCE).
All four of these solvents have been linked to cancer, and the FDA itself has acknowledged that. When research shows that an additive causes cancer in humans or animals, it is no longer safe. The Delaney Clause, a provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, prohibits the FDA from approving hazardous substances for use in food.
With EPA’s recent decision to ban methylene chloride for most uses, it is clearer than ever that FDA must remove methylene chloride and other hazardous solvents from the food supply. Although the risk of cancer from using these solvents in food may be small, there is no need to do so because safer alternatives are available. For example, coffee can be easily decaffeinated with water.
How can we help?
CSPI continues to push the FDA to protect workers and consumers from exposure to dangerous chemicals such as methylene chloride. To get involved, sign the petition below to ask FDA to update food additive regulations and promote a safer and more transparent food system.
Sign the petition for safer food
