McCafé Decaf K-Cup Caffeine Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

FDA flags mislabeled McCafé Decaf K-Cups after discovery they may contain full caffeine, raising health and liability concerns.

In early February 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration raised a significant consumer safety alert involving McCafé Premium Roast Decaf K-Cup pods. More than 80,600 coffee pods marketed as decaffeinated were recalled after it was discovered that some pods may contain fully caffeinated coffee, despite being clearly labeled “decaf.”

The recall was initiated by Keurig Dr Pepper and later classified by the FDA as a Class II health hazard, meaning the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. While many consumers might view unexpected caffeine as a minor inconvenience, the FDA’s action reflects the reality that caffeine exposure can pose real health risks for certain populations.

For individuals who avoid caffeine due to medical conditions, pregnancy, medication interactions, or documented sensitivities, this labeling failure is not trivial. A product sold as decaffeinated carries an implied assurance that it will not deliver stimulant effects. When that assurance fails, consumers may suffer consequences they specifically sought to avoid.

What Products Are Included in the McCafé Decaf K-Cup Recall

The recall applies to a specific batch of McCafé Premium Roast Decaf coffee pods sold through Amazon. Consumers are urged to check their packaging carefully.

Recalled product details include:

• Product name: McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods
• Package size: 29 oz (84-count carton)
• Best-by date: November 17, 2026
• UPC code: 043000073438
• Batch number: 5101564894
• Amazon ASIN: B07GCNDL91

The recalled pods were sold exclusively on Amazon and shipped to customers in California, Indiana, and Nevada. Consumers outside these states may not be affected, but anyone who purchased McCafé Decaf K-Cups online during the relevant time period should verify their product information.

Why the FDA Classified This as a Class II Health Hazard

The FDA uses a three-tier classification system for recalls. A Class II recall applies when a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, or when the likelihood of serious harm is considered remote.

In this case, the concern is not contamination or spoilage, but mislabeling that exposes consumers to caffeine without warning. The FDA has recognized that caffeine can trigger adverse reactions in vulnerable individuals, even at relatively low doses.

Potential health effects cited by regulators and medical authorities include:

• increased heart rate or palpitations
• elevated blood pressure
• anxiety or panic symptoms
• sleep disruption
• gastrointestinal distress
• headaches or dizziness

For consumers with underlying cardiovascular conditions, anxiety disorders, caffeine allergies, or pregnancy-related restrictions, these effects may be more pronounced and medically relevant.

Why Caffeine Exposure Matters More Than Many People Realize

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world, but it is not harmless for everyone. Many consumers choose decaffeinated coffee precisely because caffeine causes them physical or psychological symptoms.

Groups particularly affected by unexpected caffeine exposure may include:

• people with heart rhythm disorders
• individuals managing anxiety or panic conditions
• pregnant individuals advised to limit caffeine intake
• people taking medications that interact with stimulants
• those with caffeine intolerance or sensitivity

When a product is clearly labeled “decaf,” consumers rely on that label to make safe choices. A labeling failure undermines that trust and may expose individuals to health risks they actively sought to avoid.

How the Labeling Error Occurred and What Is Known So Far

According to public statements, the recall was triggered after it was discovered that certain McCafé Decaf K-Cup pods may have been filled with regular caffeinated coffee rather than decaffeinated coffee. The pods were not spoiled, contaminated, or unsafe in a traditional food safety sense. The issue lies in incorrect contents paired with inaccurate labeling.

While no illnesses or injuries have been officially reported as of the recall announcement, the FDA’s decision to elevate the recall classification underscores the seriousness of the potential risk. Food and beverage recalls often expand after initial reports, once distribution scope and production records are fully reviewed.

What Consumers Should Do If They Have the Recalled K-Cups

Consumers who identify the recalled product in their home are advised to take the following steps:

Stop using the product
Anyone who avoids caffeine for health reasons should not consume the recalled pods.

Dispose of or return the product
Consumers may discard the pods or contact Keurig Dr Pepper to arrange a refund or replacement.

Contact consumer support
Keurig Consumer Care can be reached at 866-901-2739 for assistance with refunds or exchanges.

Even consumers who are not caffeine-sensitive may wish to stop using the product, as it does not match what was advertised or purchased.

Potential Injuries and Losses Linked to Mislabeled Caffeinated Products

While many people associate product injury claims with physical defects, mislabeling can also cause harm. Unexpected caffeine ingestion may lead to medical visits, missed work, anxiety episodes, or medication complications.

Possible damages in these situations may include:

• medical expenses related to adverse reactions
• costs of emergency or urgent care visits
• lost wages from missed work or recovery time
• emotional distress linked to anxiety or panic symptoms
• out-of-pocket expenses related to product replacement

Even temporary symptoms can disrupt daily life, especially for individuals who made deliberate health-based purchasing decisions.

Legal Rights After a Food or Beverage Labeling Error

Consumers harmed by mislabeled food or beverage products may have legal options under product liability and consumer protection laws. These cases often examine whether:

• the product label was false or misleading
• quality control procedures failed
• consumers relied on the label to make health decisions
• the manufacturer took reasonable steps to prevent the error
• the recall was issued promptly once the problem was identified

A recall does not automatically eliminate liability for harm that occurred before consumers were notified.

Why These Recalls Can Lead to Lawsuits

Large-scale recalls involving national brands often lead to legal claims, especially when the product was marketed for a specific health-related purpose, such as decaffeination.

In this situation, the product was sold specifically to consumers seeking to avoid caffeine. Courts may consider whether the labeling error created a foreseeable risk and whether affected consumers suffered measurable harm as a result.

Caffeine Injury Lawsuit FAQs

What is a food mislabeling lawsuit?
A food mislabeling lawsuit is a legal claim brought by consumers who were harmed or misled by incorrect information on a product label. These cases often involve allergens, ingredients, nutritional claims, or stimulant content like caffeine.

Can I file a claim if I did not go to the hospital?
Yes. A hospital visit is not required. Claims may involve medical symptoms, anxiety episodes, medication interactions, or economic losses caused by relying on incorrect labeling.

What if I am sensitive to caffeine and experienced symptoms?
If you experienced symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety, or sleep disruption after consuming a mislabeled decaf product, those effects may be relevant to a legal claim.

Do I need proof that the coffee contained caffeine?
Not necessarily. Product batch records, recall notices, and distribution data may help establish that a consumer likely received a mislabeled product.

Can a recall itself be evidence in a lawsuit?
A recall can be important evidence, but it does not automatically prove liability. Courts evaluate how and why the error occurred and whether consumers were harmed.

What compensation may be available?
Depending on the case, compensation may include medical costs, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and other losses tied to the adverse reaction.

How long do I have to take legal action?
Time limits vary by state. Acting sooner helps preserve records, receipts, and medical documentation.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you purchased McCafé Premium Roast Decaf K-Cups and experienced adverse effects after consuming coffee that contained caffeine, you may have legal options. You should not bear the financial or health consequences of a labeling failure that placed you at risk.

Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm representing consumers harmed by defective products and misleading labeling. We offer a free consultation and can help determine whether a claim may be appropriate based on your experience. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.

Call Parker Waichman LLP today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).