Caffeine-Free coffee re-classified


The Turkish Food Codex Communique on Coffee and Coffee Extracts was published in the Official Gazette and came into force.

In the regulation, "decaffeinated raw coffee beans" are defined as coffee in which the amount of caffeine in the dry matter does not weigh more than 1 percent of the total. On the dry matter basis, the amount of soluble matter of decaffeinated roasted coffee and decaffeinated roasted ground coffee will weigh 22 percent. The humidity rate regarding roasted chemical qualities of the coffee will weigh 5 percent.

While the previous regulation suggested that the amount of ash on the dry matter basis should weigh 6.5 percent, the new regulation indicates an amount between 3 percent and 6 percent. If the amount of water-free caffeine in the coffee extract, soluble coffee extract and in soluble coffee does not weigh more than 0.3 percent, the coffee will be defined as "decaffeinated." If the amount of caffeine in raw coffee beans, roasted coffee beans and roasted ground coffee does not weigh more than 0.1 percent, they will be defined as "decaffeinated" as well.

Transport and storing of the products will be in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Regulation. Products released to the market without pre-packaging will be preserved in collapsible shelves made of suitable material that allow the product to be properly displayed, but protect it from any external factors. Samples will be taken from the products according to the aforementioned regulation and internationally renowned analysis methods will be applied. Sanctions will be levied on those who act against the regulation, according to the articles.