There are umpteen options for beer available in the market. From beer with high to low alcohol content to non-alcoholic beers, there are so many brands to choose from. The number of consumers opting for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers is quite high and we have alarming news for these people. These drinks, tasting similar to alcoholic beer, might have the risk of being the breeding grounds for pathogens.
Study Revealed Shocking Facts About Low-Alcohol & Non-Alcoholic Beers
People who do not like to drink alcohol or do not prefer consuming the calories of alcoholic brews often choose the available brands of low and non-alcoholic beer. Low-alcohol drinks have very little or no alcohol content usually and non-alcoholic means having nothing related to alcohol. The industry and available companies in the market are huge but it is now concerning consumers for being a dangerous potential breeding ground for pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.
A recent study at Cornell University has shed light on these new findings and shared how E. coli and Salmonella can grow in low and non-alcoholic beers. Not just in one step but there are multiple steps where these bugs can get inside the beers, starting from the manufacturing process to storing to even pouring in proper containers, according to a report by New Atlas.
The concept and practicals of separating alcohol content from beers are now considered to be a probable risk for breeding food-borne bugs. This might lead to a stage that creates a proper condition for the pathogens to grow and increase in numbers. The recent study by Cornell University’s researchers surely revealed some frightening facts for drinkers choosing low and non-alcoholic beers.
Also read: With Its Countless Brewpubs, Why Is Bangalore A Beer Crafter’s Dream?
The global market of beers with no alcohol content is only evolving as more and more people are becoming conscious about their health and choosing substitutes. Interestingly, not just beer, but there is a demand for different kinds of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages and drinks.
More Findings Of The Study:
The primary suspect of the researchers was that these food-borne pathogens could grow inside drinks without any alcohol. Shockingly, their guess was in the right direction. Non-alcoholic beers may grow pathogens as manufacturers add artificial materials.
The researchers conducted a test using beers having less than 0.5 and 3.2 per cent of alcohol by volume. They introduced E. Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. For the test, they made the drinks at several pH levels and kept them aside for 2 months at different temperatures. Shockingly, E. coli and Salmonella increased in all these drinks. But they could not find Listeria.
The presence of alcohol in these drinks is actually good as it prevents the chances of food-borne pathogens growing in the drinks.
Also read: 9 New Alcohol Launches That You Must Stock Up For Your Holiday Mood
Non-acholic or low-alcohol beers do have some positive impact on human beings. Not only does it remove the consumption of alcohol and all its effects but also contains minerals and vitamins. Do you enjoy drinking non-alcoholic beers? If yes, it might be a better idea now to pause and think about taking the next sip.
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