[News Today] Tighter rules for decaf coffee

[LEAD]

Some people still experience sleeplessness or discomfort even after drinking decaffeinated coffee. That is because coffee can currently be labeled 'decaf' as long as at least 90 percent of the caffeine has been removed. But that standard is now set to become much stricter.

[REPORT]

Per capita coffee consumption in Korea exceeds 400 cups a year.

Though more expensive, some people only order decaffeinated coffee.

With more customers looking for decaf, this cafe has added decaffeinated menu options.

Hwang Yong-ik / Barista

Many people have one or two regular coffees in the morning, then decaf in the afternoon.

Decaffeinated coffee removes caffeine using solvents or water and therefore can reduce side effects such as insomnia and palpitations.

However, the caffeine content in commercially sold decaffeinated coffee varies greatly.

This is because under current regulations, products with a caffeine removal rate of over 90% can all be labeled as decaf.

Some decaf coffee still contains a significant amount of caffeine.

Now the government has decided to tighten labeling rules so that only those with 99.9% of caffeine removed from the beans can be sold as decaf.

Kim Young-jo / Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

Even decaf has residual caffeine to disrupt sleep for sensitive people. Labeling should be improved to reflect bean-based content.

The new rule will be implemented from January 1, 2028.

The government said it set a grace period because preparations are needed, including finalizing how to measure caffeine levels in coffee beans.