Roundup in Booze... Should You Be Scared?

As more lawsuits claiming a link between Roundup and cancer move forward in San Francisco, a new report claims the main ingredient found in weed killer is showing up in beer and wine.The U.S. Public Interest Research Group(U.S. PIRG), a rather radical left-wing watchdog group, found the pesticide glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup, was found in 19 of 20 wines and beers tested, even organic brands.

Scientists are Skeptical...

U.S. PIRG notes that all brands tested were “far below the EPA’s risk tolerances,” but said “consumers should still be aware of what they are putting into their bodies.” However, many health professionals have criticized both the accuracy and implications of the report, urging consumers not to panic or avoid these brands merely because of the residual amount of pesticide.Assuming the greatest value reported, 51.4 parts per billion (ppb), is correct, a 125-pound adult would have to consume 264 gallons of beer or 308 gallons of wine per day, every day for life to reach a level considered to be potentially hazardous.That’s if you buy into the handful of rat studies suggesting that high levels of glyphosate are indeed harmful for human health. Over 800 studies on glyphosate or glyphosate-based formulations find no detriment and even deem the pesticide to be less toxic than baking soda, table salt and aspirin.Toxicity of a substance depends on many factors and can only cause harm if the dose occurs in a high enough concentration. In other words, any chemical – even waterand oxygen – can be toxic if too much is ingested or absorbed by the body. Advances in technology have enabled the ability to quantify even the smallest number of molecules, or in this case ppb. Sobering fact – that doesn’t mean its harmful.

Moderate Drinking...

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a maximum of two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, over 21-years-old. A drink equivalent, the term used to describe what scientists consider to be one drink, is 14-grams of alcohol. Check out my blog “How Much Alcohol Am I Consuming?” for additional information on responsible drinking.