2023-12-20 15:27:34
December 20, 2023
Just because a beer is labeled “alcohol-free” does not mean it is safe. According to researchers at Cornell University in the United States, the absence of alcohol makes the environment ripe for various food-borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella.
For many, a beer without alcohol is not beer. And it is not this work published in The Journal of Food Protection who will prove them wrong.
Scientists at Cornell University in New York State studied the growth of three types of bacteria (E. coli, salmonella and listeria) in three types of beer: “traditional” beer, low-alcohol beer and non-alcoholic beer. The reason for this test? “ We suspected that foodborne pathogens might thrive in the absence of alcohol », Say the scientists.
And what followed proved them right. They injected the three bacteria into the beverages then stored them between 3 and 13°C for 2 months. Result: After 60 days, E. coli and salmonella grew (in fact more than doubled) and survived in low-proof, no-alcohol beers.
The disinfectant properties of alcohol
For the authors, “ traditional beers – which can contain up to 10% alcohol – offer a low pH and contain ethanol and very little oxygen. So many elements that contribute to microbial stability. In fact, boiling beer wort, natural pasteurization, filtration and cold storage also contribute to pathogen safety. »
On the other hand, “Beers with high pH, above 4.60, as well as those with low alcohol and carbon dioxide contents, were more likely to go bad “. Furthermore, as Ann Charles Vegdahl, co-author of this work, explains, “ Brewers often add additional flavoring materials – such as hops – to non-alcoholic beers, which might potentially encourage contamination. Finally, serving non-alcoholic beers on tap might also worsen microbial problems. »
« Without alcohol in beer, you remove much of the safety net once morest foodborne pathogens », conclude the researchers. Which recommend that draft beer distributors regularly clean and disinfect kegs, draft system tubes and pouring taps. Producers are encouraged to have their manufacturing procedures reviewed by an expert process authority.
1703104572
#Beer #alcoholfree #risk #news