Answers
11/30/1992

<TITLE>FDA PROPOSES BAN ON LEAD FOIL WRAPS FOR WINES</TITLE>
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T92-63                                                Chris Lecos
Nov. 30, 1992                                         (202) 205-4144

                FDA PROPOSES BAN ON LEAD FOIL WRAPS FOR WINES

    FDA is receiving inquiries about a proposed regulation that would          
eliminate the use of lead foil wraps on the outside rims of both domestic and  
imported wines.  The proposal, published in the Nov. 25, 1992, Federal         
Register, is part of an ongoing FDA effort to reduce consumer exposure to      
lead in the food supply.  The following can be used to answer public           
inquiries: 
    FDA announced its plans to eliminate the lead foil wraps last year after   
various studies showed that the wraps increased the level of lead that may be  
present in wine after it is poured from the bottle.  (See FDA Press Release    
P91-21, Sept. 9, 1991, and Talk Paper T91-49, Aug. 6, 1991.)  The wraps may    
leave lead residues on the outside rim that are mixed with the wine when it    
is poured.  The studies showed that lead levels generally were higher in       
wines with the lead foil wraps, after pouring, than in wines packaged without  
lead foil wraps.
    Lead-containing foil wraps are used on many imported and domestic wines    
to cover the outside neck and cork of the wine bottle.  The capsule or wrap    
is used to prevent insect infestation of the cork and as an oxygen barrier.
    Two federal agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)    
and FDA, share federal oversight of alcoholic beverages.  ATF has regulations  
governing alcoholic beverages, including some regulations governing labeling.
                                    -MORE-

                                              Page 2, T92-63, Lead Foil Wraps
FDA has authority for regulating, as food additives, substances such as lead   
that may reasonably be expected to become a component of food.  FDA's action   
proposes to declare lead foil wraps for wines to be a food additive that is    
unsafe, and further proposes to prohibit the use of such wraps on wine         
bottles.  FDA advised ATF last year that enforcement action could be taken     
against wines with lead levels in excess of 300 parts per billion.
    Consumers can reduce their exposure from lead-containing foil wraps by     
removing the foil and wiping the rim and the top of the cork with a wet cloth  
before consuming the wine.  Many wine producers have already stopped using     
lead foil wraps on their products.
    Written comments on the proposal should be submitted, by Jan. 25, 1993,    
to the Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, Rm.  
1-23, 12420 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, Md. 20857.
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