Glyphosate scare and beer: here we go again

The weedkiller glyphosate is in the news again. After the European Union in November 2017 controversially extended its use by five years, the issue was put on a back burner by media – only to come to the fore again in May 2018 when the German consumer association Stiftung Warentest published its review of 20 alcohol-free beers in Germany, available in the June issue of its magazine.

Unsurprisingly, testers found residues of glyphosate in all of them with the exception of two organic beers. Glyphosate has been used in agriculture for over 40 years.

Scientists cannot agree on whether glyphosate is carcinogenic or not. But for as long as the risk has not been fully eliminated, brewers should try to reduce the glyphosate content in their beers to protect consumers, the organisation says.

Testers also pointed out that by law alcohol-free beers may contain up to 0.05 percent ABV. Those seeking to avoid alcohol should only go for 0.0 beers.