Coffee pods urgently recalled over health risk posed to the 120 million Americans with heart problems

Decaf coffee pods have been recalled because they may actually contain caffeine, health authorities have warned. 

Keurig Dr Pepper has issued a voluntary recall over its McCafé coffee pods, the FDA announced this week.

This includes 960 cartons containing 84 pods each, with UPC 043000073438. Affected products were distributed by Keurig Green Mountain and sold in California, Indiana and Nevada. 

Recalled pods had a 'best-by' date of November 17, 2026.

Keurig Dr Pepper initiated the recall in December, but the FDA gave it a classification earlier this month, labeling it as class II.

This refers to 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.'

No illnesses or adverse events have been reported, but caffeine can worsen certain heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, a common irregular heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation (AFib) and coronary artery disease.

Nearly half of American adults, or 128 million, have some form of cardiovascular disease, and the group of conditions kills nearly a million every year, making it America's leading cause of death. 

Keurig Dr Pepper told FOX Television Stations: 'At Keurig Dr Pepper, we are committed to the highest standards of safety and quality in the products we produce and distribute. 

'In cooperation with the FDA, we initiated a voluntary recall of a limited number of 84-count boxes of McCafé Premium Roast Decaf coffee K-Cup pods, sold through a single retail partner, as the coffee may contain regular caffeinated coffee. 

'All consumers who purchased this product were notified directly by the retailer a little more than a month ago and provided with next steps regarding replacement product. 

'All impacted product remaining with the retailer has been returned to us.'

Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the nervous system, promoting the release of noradrenaline and norepinephrine, which increase heart rate and blood pressure, especially in those with pre-existing heart conditions. 

Caffeine also blocks the compound adenosine, making arteries constrict, which places increased pressure on the heart. 

The FDA recommends healthy Americans consume no more than 400mg of caffeine per day, about the amount in four cups of coffee, to avoid lasting cardiac damage.

But because heart conditions already weaken the organ and leave it vulnerable to damage, cardiologists typically recommend that those with cardiovascular disease limit their caffeine intake further or avoid it altogether.  

It's unclear how much caffeine may be in the recalled pods. 

Keurig Dr Pepper said anyone who purchased the affected products has been notified directly and provided with steps to replace or dispose of them. 

A voluntary recall occurs when a company removes a product from shelves because it may be defective or harmful, without being directed to do so by the FDA.