A recent investigation by the French magazine 60 Million Consumers analyzed 45 popular beer varieties. Only 11 showed no detectable pesticide residues.
Beers are primarily made from barley and malt—crops often treated with pesticides. As a result, many of the beers we enjoy contain traces of these chemicals from agricultural fields.
The study screened for 248 different pesticide residues. Of the 45 beers tested, 34 contained traces of four pesticide molecules, including glyphosate—the herbicide at the center of ongoing debates.
Glyphosate has been classified as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Quantifiable glyphosate levels were found in 25 lagers, ranging from 0.41 to 9.32 micrograms per liter (µg/L). This included major brands and even two organic-labeled beers.
Affligem Blonde topped the list with 9.32 µg/L of glyphosate. It was followed by Intermarché's "Itinéraire des Saveurs" blonde (4 residues) and Hoegaarden (3 residues).
In contrast, 33 Export, Carlsberg, and Heineken tested negative for pesticides.
While traces were detected, levels remain low. The EU limit for glyphosate in drinking water is 1 µg/L, and some beers exceeded this—but far below harmful thresholds.
The magazine notes it would take over 2,000 liters of Affligem Blonde daily to reach dangerous exposure levels, which is unrealistic.
"We're far from dangerous exposure," the study concludes, offering reassurance to moderate drinkers. However, it highlights glyphosate's widespread environmental presence in soils and crops.
The greater concern is cumulative exposure from multiple sources. "The real issue is daily glyphosate intake through various foods," the journalists explain.
Recent tests by the Future Generations Association on 30 supermarket products found glyphosate in 16, including lentils, chickpeas, pasta, and cereals like Alpen Swiss Muesli, Weetabix Original, Jordan Country Crisp Muesli, Kellogg's Country Store, Jordan's Granola, Kellogg's All-Bran Fruit'n Fiber, Vivien Paille green lentils, Leader Price blonde lentils, St Éloi chickpeas, and Leader Price chickpeas.
Long-term health effects of this accumulation remain uncertain.
To minimize risks, prioritize organic foods, which studies show quickly reduce pesticide levels in the body.
Though organic can be pricier, budget-friendly strategies exist. Here are 7 practical tips to eat organic without overspending.
Or consider homebrewing your own beer.
