Did the European Union Really Classify Coffee as “Harmful” to Health?
Popular media outlets have recently raised concerns about a potential EU ban on coffee, following claims that the European Commission labeled caffeine as hazardous for human consumption.
Various news reports and widely shared social media posts have alleged that the EU categorized coffee as dangerous to human health. The right-wing British channel GB News accused “meddling bureaucrats in Brussels” of deeming coffee unsafe. Similarly, The Telegraph reported that the EU described coffee as dangerous because caffeine “harms human health when consumed,” sparking fears of an impending ban across EU member states.
An article from NDTV World even claimed that the EU had completely banned caffeine and tried to explain the rationale behind such a move. Reports from Global Guido, The Daily Mail, and The Daily Express also fueled resentment against the EU, suggesting it was preparing the ground to ban coffee.
These articles vaguely referenced a report on the use of caffeine in pesticides, without providing clear sources or links.
What is the Truth Behind the EU’s Stance on Coffee?
A detailed search reveals an article published by The Independent, referring to a request by the French company Progarin to use caffeine as a pesticide on cabbage, potatoes, and other crops.
Further research uncovered a decision issued by the European Commission in October 2024 in response to Progarin’s request to approve caffeine as “a basic substance for plant protection, an insecticide for cabbage, potatoes, boxwood plants, and a molluscicide for various crops.”
Ultimately, the Commission rejected this request based on scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In its decision, the Commission stated that “caffeine is harmful to humans if ingested,” highlighting its adverse health effects.
The Commission noted, “Regarding human health, EFSA observed adverse effects of caffeine on the cardiovascular system, hydration, body temperature in adults, as well as impacts on the central nervous system (including sleep, anxiety, and behavioral changes) in adults and children, and negative effects on birth weight among pregnant women.”
Additionally, the Commission stated, “Due to a lack of data, EFSA could not complete the assessment of non-dietary risks to operators, workers, bystanders, and residents.”
However, claiming that the EU classified coffee itself as harmful is misleading. The EU’s decision clearly refers to high doses of pure caffeine, not the typical daily cup of coffee.
According to EFSA’s caffeine fact sheet, an average cup of filtered coffee contains approximately 90 mg of caffeine, espresso 80 mg, and black tea around 50 mg. The consumption of up to 400 mg of caffeine daily does not pose safety concerns for healthy adults.
EFSA also states that a single dose of up to 200 mg of caffeine from all sources does not cause problems for healthy adults.
According to EFSA, adverse effects of caffeine typically begin after consuming five or six cups of coffee per day, potentially affecting short-term sleep quality and mental health, causing long-term cardiovascular issues, and negatively impacting fetal development in pregnant women.
EFSA also emphasizes that safe adult doses are applicable to children as well, given that the caffeine metabolism rate in children and adolescents matches or exceeds that of adults.
Thus, despite misleading headlines, the EU has not banned caffeine in beverages, and the regular consumption of coffee and tea throughout the day remains completely safe.
