And while the study accepted that the levels of the weed killer chemical were below limits set by authorities, they still said their findings were troubling.
'The levels of glyphosate we found are not necessarily dangerous, but are still concerning given the potential health risks,' the PIRG told USA TODAY.
Adds the study’s author Kara Cook-Schultz: 'No matter the efforts of brewers and vintners, we found that it is incredibly difficult to avoid the troubling reality that consumers will likely drink glyphosate at every happy hour and backyard barbecue around the country.'
The beers with the highest levels of glyphosate were Tsingtao, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Budweiser, Corona Extra, Heineken, Guiness Draught and Stella Artois. Only one beer tested - Peak Organic IPA - had no trace of the chemical whatsoever.
Meanwhile all the wines tested recorded levels of the weed killer herbicide, with Sutter Home Merlot, Beringer Founders Estates Moscato, Barefoot Cabernet Sauvingnon, Inkarri Malbec: Certified Organic and Frey Organic Natural White all showing traces.
But a spokesman from the Wine Institute has hit back at the report, saying people have nothing to be worried about.
Said the spokesman: 'An adult would have to drink more than 140 glasses of wine a day containing the highest glyphosate level measured just to reach the level that California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has identified as "No Significant Risk Level."'
Another expert claimed people would have to drink ‘a bottle of wine every minute, for life, without sleeping’ for the levels found in the alcohols tested to have an effect on humans.
The Beer Institute also refuted the concerns, saying: 'Our members work with farmers who go to great lengths to raise their crops sustainably and safely....and the results of the most recent federal testing showed farmers’ use of glyphosate falls well below federal limits.'
But with a court case against the makers of Roundup currently before the US courts, alleging that the weed killer causes cancer - claims the company vehemently deny - the study’s author says it’s good for people to be aware of what’s in their favourite beer and wine.
'With a federal court looking at the connection between Roundup and cancer today, we believe this is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on glyphosate,' Cook-Schultz said.
'This chemical could prove a true risk to so many Americans' health, and they should know that it is everywhere – including in many of their favourite drinks.'
