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Methylene Chloride

Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Methylene Chloride is a solvent processing aid — Decaffeinating solvent for coffee; common industrial solvent

Also: Dichloromethane

What it does

Decaffeinating solvent for coffee; common industrial solvent

Where you'll see it

Decaffeinated coffee, spice oleoresins, hops extract

What the research says

Generates carbon monoxide in body, interferes with oxygen delivery. Causes cancer in animals; considered potential cancer-causing additive in humans. Damage to liver, kidney, CNS at high concentrations.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: ASP
  • Notes: FDA 30 ppm spice oleoresins, 10 ppm decaffeinated coffee

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): methylene chloride causes cancer in animals and is considered a potential cancer-causing additive in humans