Fact Check: Has The EU Actually Branded Coffee ‘Harmful’ For Humans? – CoffeeTalk

The EU has been accused of labeling coffee as dangerous for humans, with various news reports and social posts claiming that Brussels bureaucrats are involved in the decision. Some articles accuse Brussels of declaring coffee unsafe, while others claim that the EU has banned caffeine outright. However, the EU has not officially stated this, as it is based on scientific advice requested from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The EFSA’s caffeine fact sheet states that there is about 90mg of caffeine in an average cup of filter coffee, 80mg in an espresso, and 50mg in a black tea. An intake of 400mg throughout the day doesn’t raise safety concerns for the healthy adult general population. Single doses of caffeine up to 200mg from all sources shouldn’t cause any particular issues for an average, healthy adult. It’s only after about five or six cups of coffee that caffeine might start to be harmful for sleep and mental health in the short term, cause cardiovascular problems in the long term, and stunted foetus growth in pregnant women.

The single doses of caffeine considered to be of no concern for adults may also be applied to children, as the rate at which children and adolescents process caffeine is at least that of adults, and studies available on the acute effects of caffeine on anxiety and behavior in children and adolescents support this level.

The EU has not labelled coffee as harmful to humans, as it is referring to high doses of pure caffeine rather than your morning brew. The EFSA’s caffeine fact sheet provides more information on the potential risks associated with caffeine consumption.

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