The term “naturally decaffeinated” refers to the decaffeination agent that is used. Currently, water, coffee oil and carbon dioxide are decaffeination agents, which are considered to be part of a natural process and may therefore use this term. It is impossible to remove all the caffeine from green coffee beans, as it is a natural component. Health Canada has established regulations which stipulate maximum amounts of caffeine permitted in decaffeinated instant and decaffeinated roast and ground coffee. Specifically, decaffeinated roast and ground coffee cannot contain more than 0.1% residual caffeine and decaffeinated instant coffee cannot contain more than 0.3% residual caffeine. The guidelines ensure that consumers of decaffeinated coffee are free from the effects of caffeine.
- Health Canada
