In the future, California coffee cups may warn: "Coffee contains carcinogens!"

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On the evening of the 26th Beijing time, any future cup of coffee in California may be marked with a warning sign that makes you nervous: "it may contain carcinogens!" .

A non-profit group that requires coffee producers, suppliers and retailers to put a warning of the risk of carcinogens in every cup of coffee has submitted the evidence to a court in Los Angeles. The court has accepted the case.

The lengthy lawsuit, which has lasted for several years, reopened on Monday, alleging that Starbucks (55.13,0.18,0.33%) and more than 90 other companies violated state laws by failing to post warning signs for harmful chemicals found in home products, workplaces and the environment.

The focus of the dispute is acrylamide (acrylamide). Acrylamide is a common carcinogen in high-temperature cooking foods such as French fries, and it is also a natural by-product in the process of roasting coffee. The coffee industry has recognized the existence of this chemical, but claims that the level of acrylamide in coffee is harmless and that the benefits of drinking coffee far outweigh its harm.

Although the trial of the case began in 2010, it has not received much attention. Under the safe drinking Water and toxic substances Enforcement Act passed in 1986, both appeal groups and prosecutors can sue on behalf of the state and demand civil penalties.

Warning signs can be shocking, but sometimes the effectiveness of the warning is greatly reduced because it is placed in an inconspicuous place or ambiguously worded. Drivers, for example, usually give priority to parking in garages with the following warning signs. "this area contains substances that the California government believes can cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive damage."

Last year, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment adopted new rules that require warning signs to clearly list the chemicals that consumers may be exposed to and provide a website that provides more relevant information. For example, garage warning signs should indicate that breathing air will cause drivers to inhale three harmful chemicals: carbon monoxide, gasoline and diesel emissions, and warn people not to stay unless necessary.

"our goal is not to scare people, but to provide people with more information to make decisions," said Allan Hirsch, an adjutant in the office. As long as you know, it is also possible for you to continue to buy a product that may expose you to certain chemicals. "