California Bill Would Ban Decaf Method Used by Starbucks, Dunkin', and More

The legislation targets a carcinogen, methylene chloride, and notes that there are alternative ways of decaffeinating coffee.

"We are using a known carcinogen to decaffeinate coffee," said Assemblywoman Eloise Gómez Reyes, a San Bernardino Democrat. The National Coffee Association says the method is safe. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

A California bill aims to prohibit the use of a carcinogenic chemical commonly used in the decaffeination process of coffee.

Assembly Bill 2066, authored by Assemblywoman Eloise Gómez Reyes, proposes to ban the sale and distribution of all coffee products that have been decaffeinated using methylene chloride, commonly known as European Method decaf.