Researchers Find PFAS in Beer Brands | Toxic Exposure Lawsuits
The toxic exposure lawyers at The Lyon Firm are investigating new research that suggests many popular beers sold in the United States contains some level of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances). How is PFAS in beer? The products may be contaminated at several different times in the production process, though most likely from a contaminated local water supply used to make the beer.
Several class action PFAS Lawsuits have been filed by consumers who purchased products that contain forever chemicals but have no way of knowing this because companies have neglected to test their products or place PFAS on the labeling to include in a list of ingredients. We must assume (perhaps a little optimistically) that brewers are unaware of the contamination. However, it is the responsibility of food and beverage companies to properly test their product before it is sold on the marketplace. Legal action can be considered when corporations mislead the public or fail to disclose potential toxins in their consumer products.
Why is There PFAS in Beer?
According to the study conducted by the Research Triangle Institute, there is a “strong correlation” between PFAS concentrations in municipal drinking water and levels in locally brewed beer. A recent study found PFAS in 95% of the beers tested. The team estimated that “approximately 18% of breweries operating in the United States are located within zip codes served by public water supplies with detectable PFAS in drinking water.”
A team of scientists recently tested several beer products and measured PFAS at levels above the maximum limit set by the EPA. The team noted that the potential for PFAS contamination in beer can occur at different stages of the brewing process, largely depending on the source and treatment of the water used in the malting, mashing, boiling, fermenting, storage, packaging, and cleaning processes.
Long known as a PFAS pollution hotspot, the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina had the highest levels and most diverse mix of forever chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA, in locally brewed beers. PFAS beer detections and concentrations were notably elevated in beers brewed in North Carolina, California, and Michigan.
The research team tested 23 brands of beer, each represented by at least five cans. At least one PFAS chemical was found in nearly every can tested. Most contained some level of PFOS and one beer exceeded PFOS limits. Three beers tested in this study exceeded the EPA’s maximum limit for PFOA concentration.
There are no guidelines for how much PFAS is acceptable in our beer but seeing as the product is meant for consumption, we can assume beer should have the same PFAS regulations as water.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
PFAS earned the ominous nickname of “forever chemicals” because they don’t readily break down in the environment. There are over 10,000 different types of forever chemicals, and while the personal health impact of ingesting the vast majority of them are currently unknown, researchers notes that PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) may be linked to adverse health outcomes, including increased risks of cancer and birth defects.
PFAS are human-made chemicals produced for their water-, oil- and stain-repellent properties. They are now found in surface water, groundwater and municipal water supplies globally. Breweries generally have advanced water filtration and treatment systems, but they are not designed to remove PFAS.
This study is limited in many ways but should serve as a warning shot to brewers and other food and beverage companies who use potentially contaminated water to produce their goods. It is clear to our attorneys that brewers have a duty to properly test PFAS in their beer products sold locally and throughout the country.
Contact our consumer protection and toxic exposure lawyers to discuss ongoing PFAS litigation and to learn more about filing a class action claim. We represent plaintiffs in all fifty states and offer free case reviews.