Anti-weed chemical found in beer and wine, according to a report

A new report from a progressive advocacy group shows that the main ingredient in Roundup, a weed herbicide, has appeared in some of our most popular beers and wines.

The US public interest research group found traces of glyphosate in 19 of the five wines and 15 beers in the tested group, including Colorado Coors Light and New Belgium Fat Tire. 9NEWS contacted both companies.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization, glyphosate is a herbicide found in Roundup that is a probable carcinogen to humans.

"We do not think brewers are trying to put that into their beer, but that's because we use a lot of Roundup," said CoPIRG Director Danny Katz. "It's omnipresent, it's everywhere. Roundup is one of the most important agrochemical products of our country. "

Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, has denied cancer.

RELATED: Roundup test for cancer claimed begins Monday

The US PIRG acknowledged that glyphosate levels found in beer and wine tested were below the risk level of EPA. EPA tolerance levels are product dependent.

The Brewers Association explained that it was illegal for farmers to use even the controversial malting barley herbicide.

"The brewing industry has gone to great lengths to protect our supply chain of ingredients," said Chris Swersey, Supply Chain Specialist at the Brewers Association, at 9NEWS. "To date, our brewing members across the country produce good beers."

Message from Swersey: The beer is still healthy.

"The industry is very proud that our malt producers and suppliers can supply our breweries with high quality ingredients. Beer stays healthy when it is consumed responsibly, "Swersey said.

RELATED: What you need to know after discovering glyphosate in some breakfast foods

The US PIRG explained that it was trying to show how widespread Roundup is in the whole of agriculture. The group also tested organic beer and wine. Organic wines Samuel Smith Organic and Inkarri Estate tested positive for the herbicide.

"These are the kinds of things that brewers and others who make these products should be able to avoid including in their products," Katz told 9NEWS. "It sounds terribly difficult considering the ubiquity of Roundup and glyphosate."

The US PIRG said it hoped the report would encourage government agencies to better study glyphosate and its potential health risks.