BATF tests for pesticide residue

Wines & Vines, Feb, 2003

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire-arms (BATF) has begun testing American wines for pesticide, herbicide and fungicide residues. Although no current residue standards exist for wines, BATF lab scientist Jon Wong has been sampling imported wines for two years, and added U.S. wines in 2002. BATF will pass its data on to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which regulates pesticide levels in fresh fruits and vegetables and will also be responsible for wine.

Although BATF has the authority to pull wines bearing traces of unauthorized pesticides from the market, the Bureau says it is not likely to do so without first consulting the EPA or the Food and Drug Administration.