Do You Think Texas Will Really Ban Decaf Coffee?

Coffee is BIG in Texas and while most of the coffee drinkers I know won't touch decaf, zillions of others will. The FDA says it might be dangerous though ...

I can't stand coffee but a lot of my friends and family can't go a day, (or even hours), without it. I don't know anyone at all though that drinks decaf. My peeps can't even use the word without a heavy dose of sarcasm and/or disdain.

Side note: Coffee grounds, apparently, make a great mosquito repellant. Something to keep in mind, especially if you live in the upper or lower valley, as we get into mosquito season here in El Paso.

Back to this decaf thing .... Texas, and the country as a whole, are not exactly looking to ban decaf, it's the decaffeination process that's got people worried.

How is coffee decaffeinated?

There are several ways to do this but the most common way uses methylene chloride. That stuff is used for lots of things including paint removal. According to the CDC:

Methylene chloride (CH₂Cl₂) is a colorless liquid that can harm the eyes, skin, liver, and heart. Exposure can cause drowsiness, dizziness, numbness and tingling limbs, and nausea. - cdc.com

It may also cause cancer and, if you get enough of it, it can render you unconscious and/or kill you. I can see why the FDA wants to ban it on or in food products. Don't panic though decaf lovers, there are other ways to neuter your java.

The CO2 method and the Swiss Water Method are considered safe so, drink up. You'll still be able to get your coffee "leaded or unleaded".