A recent study found that traces of glyphosate, a herbicide that is found in the weed-killer Roundup, is in a few beer and wines.
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group states that out of 20 samples they tested, 19 found traces of glyphosate. One brand of wine, Sutter Home, was found with the highest level of glyphosate, at 51 parts per billion. In this study, U.S. PIRG says, this can be problematic, because many farmers are alleging they have contracted cancer caused from Roundup. A few of the brands found with glyphosate, include, Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors, Sam Adams, Samuel Smith Organic and New Belgium.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agronomist, Joshua McGinty, Ph.D. says this is not as scary as it sounds.
“Very strenuous testing, years and years of studies, millions of dollars go in to these pesticides before they ever reach the market, because EPA is trying to ensure this is going to be safe from day 1,” says McGinty. He also states that when these tests are performed in labs, you have to do the math and look at how much of a concern it can be to a consumer.
“A person would have to consume over 300 gallons of that wine, per day, everyday for the rest of their life for 125 lb individual, to reach that point that EPA deems a level of concern,” states McGinty.
With the beer scene growing in the Corpus Christi, there was some reaction from a couple of local breweries. One in particular, Nueces Brewing Company, is still preparing to open its doors. Co-owner Cale Moore, says it is disappointing, but you might find local produce to have more glyphosate than beers. He believes keeping a personal relationship with farmers will help know exactly what ingredients are going into each batch of beer.
“It’s very convenient and easy for us as small brewers to form relationships with these small farms, and get ingredients just the way we want them.”
Although Dr. McGinty believes there is no level of concern with the recent glyphosate study, the U.S. PIRG believes the U.S. should ban glyphosate until it has been proven safe.
