About LACCSA
The Low Acid Coffee Consumer Standard Association (LACCSA) is an independent, nonprofit standards organization dedicated to bringing clarity, consistency, and transparency to what qualifies as low acid coffee. In an environment where no widely accepted definition exists, LACCSA fills a standards gap by establishing clear, testable definitions for the benefit of consumers.
Why LACCSA Exists
Millions of consumers seek low acid coffee for reasons ranging from sensitivity to acidity, reflux issues, to dental health and taste preference. Currently, there is no objective, agreed-upon standard for what constitutes ‘low acid coffee,’ leaving consumers with unclear or inconsistent information.
This lack of standards means products with different processes may make similar claims, and it becomes difficult for consumers to compare or understand what is being offered. LACCSA was formed to set voluntary, scientifically grounded standards and ensure factual clarity in how products are labeled and described.
LACCSA defines terms, sets transparency expectations, and provides clear, methodologically transparent guidance. Our standards do not regulate safety, make medical claims, or judge taste. LACCSA exists to define, not to police, and always complements the roles of regulatory agencies such as the FDA, trade associations, and independent testing organizations.
What LACCSA Does and Does Not Do
LACCSA develops and maintains voluntary standards to define low acid coffee objectively, distinguish methods of acidity reduction, and require clear disclosure for consumers. LACCSA does not make or enforce regulations, does not replace existing authorities, and does not evaluate taste or quality. Its function is strictly definitional and informational, supporting consumer clarity without judgment.
Role in the Coffee Ecosystem
LACCSA’s work complements rather than competes with organizations like the FDA, which oversees labeling law, trade associations concerned with best practices, and groups like the Clean Label Project that address contaminants. LACCSA seeks only to define and disclose, providing clarity where current frameworks do not.
A Commitment to Transparency
LACCSA believes that all claims that matter to consumers must be both clearly defined and honestly disclosed. LACCSA does not endorse one method of creating low acid coffee over another; instead, we ensure that processes are transparent, so consumers can make informed choices.
Looking Ahead
LACCSA standards are intended to evolve as research and industry participation increase. Our goal remains unchanged: to offer clarity without confusion and transparency without accusation for consumers and industry partners alike.