The Glyphosate in Beer Controversy
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It is used to kill weeds, and its application has become a concern for consumers due to its potential health effects, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer's 2015 classification as a 'probable human carcinogen'. The presence of this chemical has been detected in a variety of foods and beverages, including beer. The source of contamination can be from the cultivation of grains, such as barley and wheat, where the chemical is sometimes used to dry out crops just before harvest. Environmental factors like spray drift and contaminated water sources can also introduce glyphosate into the supply chain, affecting even organic products.
The 2019 U.S. PIRG Study
To date, the most widely cited independent testing on the topic was conducted in 2019 by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. The study analyzed 15 popular beer brands, along with other alcoholic beverages, and found that nearly all of them contained some level of glyphosate. The levels detected were all below the EPA's risk tolerance levels for beverages, but many health advocates argue that even low-level, long-term exposure may carry risks. A notable finding was that Peak Beer Organic IPA was the only beer tested that showed no detectable levels of the chemical. It is important to remember that this data is from 2019, and the results of a single study should be viewed with context, but it provides a useful benchmark for understanding the issue.
Why Avoiding Contamination is Difficult
Even for brands committed to avoiding glyphosate, complete elimination is challenging. For instance, in 2019, New Belgium Brewing Co. stated that while they have a strict prohibition on using glyphosate-treated materials in their supply chain, the ubiquity of the chemical in the environment makes it difficult to avoid entirely. Contamination can occur through several avenues:
- Agricultural Drift: Wind can carry glyphosate from conventionally farmed fields to neighboring organic farms, contaminating crops.
- Water Supply: The chemical can get into local water supplies, which are then used in the brewing process.
- Cross-Contamination: Equipment used in the harvest or transport of grains could potentially carry residue between organic and non-organic products.
Finding Beers with No Detectable Glyphosate Today
Since the 2019 study, no comprehensive, publicly available list of certified glyphosate-free beer brands in the USA has been established. The Detox Project offers a 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification for a variety of food and supplement products, but as of late 2024, no American beer brand is listed as having acquired this specific certification. Therefore, while the search for a definitive list is complex, consumers can focus on products from brands with a known commitment to transparency and ingredient purity.
What to Look for When Choosing Low-Glyphosate Beers
- USDA Organic Certification: This certification legally prohibits the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate on crops. While contamination from drift is still possible, organic brands take significant steps to minimize exposure.
- Brewery Transparency: Look for breweries that provide detailed information about their ingredient sourcing, especially for grains. Some craft breweries, especially smaller ones, have more control over their supply chain and may have stricter policies.
- Supporting Brands with Stated Commitments: Some brewers, like New Belgium, have publicly stated their efforts to avoid glyphosate-treated ingredients. While not a guarantee, it indicates a commitment to cleaner practices.
Comparison of Beer Types and Glyphosate Risk
| Beer Type | Sourcing Practices | Glyphosate Risk Factors | How to Minimize Risk | Availability of Lower-Risk Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Lager | Often uses grains from large-scale, conventional farms. | Higher risk due to common use of glyphosate on conventional grain crops. | Choose certified organic lagers or brands known for clean sourcing. | Widely available, but clean-sourced options require research. |
| USDA Organic Ales | Ingredients (grains, hops) grown without synthetic pesticides. | Lower risk, but still possible due to environmental drift and cross-contamination. | Look for the USDA Organic seal and support transparent breweries. | Increasing number of options from craft breweries. |
| Small Craft Brews | Sourcing practices vary widely; some prioritize local, high-quality ingredients. | Risk depends on the individual brewery's sourcing practices. | Ask the brewery about their grain sourcing and glyphosate policies. | Depends on location and brewery philosophy. |
| Hard Ciders (e.g., Ace Perry) | Ingredients may be conventionally grown apples, which are also sprayed. | Risk depends on apple sourcing. 2019 study found traces in Ace Perry. | Opt for organic hard ciders. | Fairly limited organic cider options. |
Conclusion
While the search for a definitive, recent list of beers with absolutely no detectable glyphosate is challenging, consumers can make informed choices by prioritizing organic products and supporting breweries with a proven commitment to sourcing clean ingredients. The 2019 U.S. PIRG study remains the most definitive public testing, highlighting brands like Peak Beer Organic IPA as a benchmark for what is possible. The prevalence of glyphosate in the environment makes total elimination a formidable task, but by focusing on transparent sourcing and certifications like USDA Organic, you can significantly reduce your exposure and enjoy a cleaner, healthier pint. For more on dietary choices, consider exploring The Detox Project, which offers certifications for products committed to being Glyphosate Residue Free.
