Dutch coffee high on caffeine list

Dutch coffee products on average contain four times the amount of caffeine in a cup of americano sold in cafes, according to the Korea Consumer Agency on Thursday.

The agency examined 30 Dutch coffee products in the market and found that while a cup of americano contains 0.4 milligrams of caffeine per milliliter, Dutch coffee contains 1.7 milligrams.

Currently, a beverage that contains more than 15 milligrams of caffeine per 100 milliliters is classified as “highly caffeinated” by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and these drinks must provide a warning label to customers to prevent them from consuming more caffeine than the maximum daily intake. However, there were no warnings on the tested products.

The warning standard set by the ministry states that highly caffeinated drinks must have a phrase for those susceptible to caffeine, such as “Caution: can be dangerous to children, pregnant woman and those sensitive to caffeine,” along with a “highly caffeinated” sign. The product must also say how many milligrams of caffeine is in the drink.

However, of the 27 products categorized as coffee - three were categorized as precooked food - only five had warnings. Another 22 products either left out part or all of the warning.

“To assure the safety of Dutch coffee products and prevent more consumers from being impacted, appropriate actions have been completed,” the consumer agency said in a statement.

“Violating companies will either voluntarily collect back problematic products or suspend their sales and also add warning signs to their products.”

Excessive consumption of caffeine may result in a rapid or erratic heartbeat, insomnia and other neurotic symptoms, according to the Food Ministry.

The maximum daily intake of caffeine suggested by the ministry is 400 milligrams for adults, 300 milligrams for pregnant women and 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of their weight for teenagers and younger people.

Dutch coffee refers to a coffee brewing method contrary to commonly used brewing techniques.

The coffee is brewed using cold water, and the process takes three hours to 24 hours to complete. Most coffee products are brewed for only three to four minutes with hot water.

Since the Dutch coffee products can be preserved in pure liquid condition and its unique scent can be maintained, their popularity has been growing, specially for gifts and home use.

BY KIM JEE-HEE [kim.jeehee@joongang.co.kr]