Two agencies look at lead in wine

FDA Consumer, Nov, 1991

A program to reduce consumers' exposure to lead from table wines was announced in September by FDA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. This is part of the U.S. government's overall efforts to reduce exposure to lead in the environment.

The agencies said their long-term plans include eliminating the use of lead foil capsules to cover the outside rim and cork of some wine bottles and setting a tolerance for lead residues in table wines produced in the future.

The announcement followed a review at ATF's request by FDA scientists of the potential risks of lead in table wine.

FDA intends to propose soon a regulation banning the future use of lead foil capsules. ATF test data show that the capsules can increase lead levels in wine by leaving lead salt deposits on a bottle's rim. These deposits dissolve when the wine is poured into a glass or container.

Wine consumers can reduce their lead exposure from foil-wrapped wines by removing the foil and cork and wiping the rim and exposed cork with a wet cloth or with a cloth moistened with vinegar or lemon juice before drinking the wine.

"Pregnant and lactating women have long been advised to avoid alcoholic beverages, including wine," said FDA Commissioner David A. Kessler, M.D. "The recent findings provide another good reason to do this because even low levels of lead may pose a hazard to the fetus or nursing infant."

Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health James O. Mason, M.D., added, "Most physicians advise expectant mothers to avoid alcohol because of other potential hazards to the developing fetus. The government requires such a warning on alcoholic beverages. But it is important that pregnant women also be aware that continued exposure to even low levels of lead can cause impairment of the unborn child's brain function and performance and adversely affect the child's learning capability--throughout its life."

FDA has informed ATF that foreign and domestic table wines sold in the United States that contain lead levels above 300 parts per billion (ppb) could be harmful to consumers. FDA intends to propose a rule to establish a limit on lead in table wine. ATF has the authority to detain and seek recall of these products.

ATF issued a public report of test results on July 31. Its data showed that only 3 to 4 percent of table wines tested contained more than 300 ppb of lead.

Although ATF also analyze a smaller number of other alcoholic beverages, FDA said that the data do not indicate that other classes of alcoholic beverages--including beer, sparkling or dessert wines, or spirits--warrant immediate concern.

(See also "Getting the Lead Out ... of Just About Everything," in the July-August 1991 FDA Consumer.)