A 2019 Study Found Traces of Glyphosate in Budweiser
In a report that drew significant media attention, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) released findings in February 2019 from a study that tested 20 popular wine and beer brands for glyphosate. The study found detectable levels of the chemical, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, in 19 of the 20 beverages tested. Among them was Budweiser, which contained 27.0 parts per billion (ppb) of glyphosate. While this specific study was the catalyst for much of the public debate, it's important to understand the broader context surrounding glyphosate contamination.
How Does Glyphosate Get Into Beer?
The presence of glyphosate in beer doesn't mean brewers are intentionally adding weed killer to their product. The contamination is largely an issue of agricultural supply chain integrity. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the United States, applied to crops including barley and hops, which are key ingredients in beer.
- Pre-harvest application: In some cases, glyphosate is sprayed on crops shortly before harvest to dry them out, a practice known as desiccation. This can leave chemical residues on the grains that are later used in the brewing process.
- Environmental drift: Even if a brewer's suppliers use organic grains, glyphosate from nearby conventional farms can drift onto fields via wind or be carried by irrigation water, causing cross-contamination.
- Ubiquitous contamination: The widespread use of glyphosate means it is present throughout the environment, making it difficult for producers to avoid trace contamination of their raw ingredients.
What Were the Findings of the 2019 PIRG Study?
In its report, U.S. PIRG tested multiple beers and wines, with results showing the widespread presence of the chemical. The organization specifically listed the following glyphosate levels for a selection of beer brands:
- Tsingtao Beer: 49.7 ppb
- Coors Light: 31.1 ppb
- Miller Lite: 29.8 ppb
- Budweiser: 27.0 ppb
- Corona Extra: 25.1 ppb
- Heineken: 20.9 ppb
- Peak Beer Organic IPA: not detected
One of the most notable aspects of the report was the finding that even organic brands, which are prohibited from using glyphosate, showed signs of contamination. This underscored the pervasive nature of the chemical in the food supply.
The Health Debate: Low Levels vs. Long-Term Exposure
The controversy surrounding glyphosate in beer hinges on a significant debate over health risks. The levels found in the 2019 study are far below the safety thresholds set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In response to the study, a toxicologist for Monsanto's parent company, Bayer, calculated that an adult would need to consume hundreds of gallons of wine per day for life to reach the EPA's exposure limit.
However, some health experts and advocacy groups argue that EPA limits may not account for the cumulative effects of long-term, low-dose exposure to glyphosate from multiple dietary sources. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans," adding fuel to the debate. This classification and subsequent lawsuits have intensified public concern and scrutiny of the chemical's safety.
Comparison of Budweiser's Glyphosate to Other Beers
To put Budweiser's 2019 finding in context, the following table compares its detected glyphosate level to other major brands from the same study. All levels are in parts per billion (ppb).
| Beer Brand | Glyphosate (ppb) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Budweiser | 27.0 | A mainstream American lager. |
| Tsingtao Beer | 49.7 | The highest level detected in the beer category. |
| Coors Light | 31.1 | Another popular American light beer. |
| Corona Extra | 25.1 | A well-known imported beer. |
| Guinness Draught | 20.3 | Lower level than many other mainstream beers. |
| Samuel Smith's Organic Lager | 5.7 | An organic beer with a low but detectable level, highlighting cross-contamination issues. |
| Peak Beer Organic IPA | ND | The only beer in the study with no detected glyphosate (ND). |
Manufacturer Response: Anheuser-Busch and Bayer
Following the reports, Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Budweiser, questioned the integrity of tests conducted in the past due to small sample sizes. In general, the beer industry argues that even if trace amounts of glyphosate are present, they are well below regulatory limits and pose no risk to consumer health.
Meanwhile, Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, has consistently defended the safety of glyphosate, citing the EPA's daily exposure limits and pointing out that the IARC's classification is controversial and not based on regulatory analysis. This stance reflects the ongoing legal and scientific battles over the herbicide.
Conclusion: Navigating the Controversy
The question of whether Budweiser has glyphosate was definitively answered in the affirmative by the 2019 U.S. PIRG study, which found trace amounts. However, the interpretation of this finding is complex. While regulatory agencies maintain that the levels detected are not a health risk, public interest groups and some health experts express concern about the long-term, cumulative effects of low-dose exposure.
For the average consumer, this means navigating conflicting information. Those concerned about minimizing their exposure may consider choosing certified organic beers, though the 2019 study showed even organic brands are not always immune to trace contamination. Ultimately, the controversy underscores the broader issue of ubiquitous pesticide use and its presence in the modern food and drink supply.
A Broader Look at Food and Drink Contamination
The issue with glyphosate in beer is not unique. Studies have found traces in a wide array of food products, from cereals and snack bars to wines and organic produce. This pervasive presence highlights the challenge for consumers trying to avoid exposure. The problem points to systemic issues within the food system, making comprehensive reform a priority for many environmental and consumer advocacy groups. A detailed look at the broader landscape of contamination can provide useful context. For more information on glyphosate’s environmental and health impacts, the Pesticide Action Network is an authoritative source.
- Regulatory Limits vs. Real-World Exposure: EPA safety thresholds are often based on studies of individual foods, but don't account for the total daily exposure from multiple sources.
- The Problem with Pervasiveness: As the 2019 PIRG study showed, contamination is so widespread that it can even affect organic products, which are otherwise free from direct application of the chemical.
- Consumer Action: Consumers can demand greater transparency from food and beverage manufacturers and advocate for stricter regulatory standards on pesticide use.
By staying informed about these issues, consumers can make better decisions about what they consume, while also supporting policies that encourage a cleaner, safer food system for everyone.
