Methylene chloride
Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor, commonly used as a solvent to decaffeinate green coffee beans. However, since methylene chloride does not naturally occur in plants, coffee decaffeinated using this method cannot be classified as “naturally decaffeinated.”
While there are concerns about its safety, health organizations confirm that methylene chloride poses no risk if present at levels below 10 parts per million (10 PPM). Additionally, high temperatures during roasting and brewing cause it to evaporate, making its final concentration in coffee negligible and safe for consumption.