OTHER NEWS - Aug. 1, 1991

Lead Found in Wines: A substantial number of domestic and imported wines contain high levels of lead, according to a Food and Drug Administration study. The FDA said there appeared to be a link between the levels of lead and the lead-based foil wraps that cover the bottle neck and the cork of many of the wines. The wraps can leave a lead residue on the rim that can be swept into the glass or decanter upon pouring. Although the lead levels generally found do not pose an immediate- or short-term health hazard, the FDA said it was concerned about long-term exposure, particularly in the case of pregnant women or women of childbearing age because the fetus could be adversely affected. Industry observers said the study could have a debilitating affect on wine sales. California, the nation’s largest wine-producing state, may be hardest hit. Regulators have set a lead limit for wines sold in the state that is much less than the average for the tested wines.