The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates coffee roasting and the manufacture of coffee products through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and its implementing regulations. These regulations establish standards for the identity and quality of coffee products, including roasted coffee, and help ensure that these products are safe and properly labeled.
One of the key aspects of the FDA's coffee roasting regulations is the requirement that coffee be properly labeled. This includes the use of the common or usual name of the product, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, and an accurate list of ingredients. Additionally, the FDA requires that coffee be free from harmful contaminants, such as mycotoxins, and that it be free from filth, such as mold or insect infestation.
In addition to these labeling and quality requirements, the FDA also regulates the use of certain additives in coffee. For example, caffeine is considered a food additive, and the FDA has established specific regulations for its use in coffee and other caffeinated products. The FDA also regulates the use of other food additives, such as artificial flavors and colors, in coffee products.
The FDA also regulates the manufacture and sale of coffee products to ensure that they are manufactured in compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs). This includes requirements for facility design, equipment maintenance, and employee training, as well as requirements for the control of ingredients, production processes, and finished products.
Overall, the FDA's coffee roasting regulations are designed to ensure that coffee products are safe, properly labeled, and of high quality. By following these regulations, coffee roasters can help ensure that their products meet the expectations of consumers and are safe for consumption. It is important for coffee roasters to stay informed of the latest developments in FDA regulations and to take appropriate steps to comply with these regulations.