More scare-mongering, now about GMOs in beer, from Organics.org

[Critical Thinker]

The Organic Consumers Association has been the driving force behind much of the anti-GMO propaganda and the Millions Against Monsanto campaign, which was the predecessor to March Against Monsanto. This time a website called 'organics.org' has issued a list of 8 Beers That You Should Stop Drinking Immediately as well as touting a list of 'approved beers':

1. Newcastle Brown Ale


The Newcastle beer has been found to contain caramel coloring. Class 3 and 4 caramel coloring is made from ammonia, which is classified as a carcinogen. While alcohol is a carcinogen itself, drinking it in moderation may decrease your chances at developing cancer. However, more added carcinogens will have the opposite effect. "The one and only" beer with extra cancer causing qualities.

2. Budweiser

One of the most popular beers, or most advertised is Budweiser. Budweiser contains genetically modified (GMO) corn. In 2007, Greenpeace discovered experimental GMO rice in Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) beer.

3. Corona Extra

I used to love Corona's commercials. They were so peaceful and relaxing. That is until I found out that the beer contains GMO Corn Syrup and Propylene Glycol. Propylene Glycol is controversial, and is said to may be potentially harmful to your health.

4. Miller Lite


This is another very popular beer in America that contains GMOs. Miller Lite contains GMO corn and corn syrup. It's "GMO time".

5. Michelob Ultra

Less popular but still readily available Michelob beer, should be eliminated from your choices. This beer has been found to contain a genetically modified sweetener (GMO dextrose).

6. Guinness

Guinness is often praised for it's smoothness. However, several investigations proved that Guinness ingredients are quite disturbing. The beer contains isinglass, an ingredient which comes from fish bladder and high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup has been long banned from many stores and drinks.

Update: Good news! We've contacted Guinness and they have stated that they no longer use high fructose corn syrup in any of their beers.

7. Coors Light

Coors light is a drink that is very popular at bars and among college students. Mostly because its cheap. The beer contains GMO corn syrup.

8. Pabst Blue Ribbon

Pabst Blue Ribbon contains GMO corn and GMO corn syrup.

Healthy Beer Alternatives
So when it comes to beer you have to be very careful. Your best option is to find a microbrewery that you can trust. As with everything, try to avoid cheap, low-quality products. Bars may offer Coors Light, Miller Lite or Budweiser specials, but they are cheap for a reason. The rest of the world is banning GMOs everywhere, while USA is lagging years behind, and only several states offer GMO labeling laws. Try to stay away from any American beers. Choose organic beer. Beers that contain 100% organic labels, have to have ingredients that are all 100% organic. While an "organic" label just means 95% of it will be organic. European beer is most likely to be safe from GMO ingredients but unfortunately, most other beer contains GMO artificial ingredients, stabilizers, grains and preservatives, plus, HFCS.

GMO Free Beers:
Organic Beers (Unpasteurized & Unfiltered)

• Wolaver's – all beers
• Lamar Street – Whole Foods label (brewed by Goose Island)
• Bison – all beers
• Dogfish Head (organic when ingredients available)
• Fish Brewery Company – Fish Tale Ales
• Lakefront Brewery – Organic ESB
• Brooklyn – (organic when ingredients are available)
• Pinkus – all beers
• Samuel Smiths – Samuel Smiths Organic Ale
• Wychwood – Scarecrow Ale

Non-Organic Beers (Unpasteurized & Unfiltered)

• Sierra Nevada – all choices
• Duck Rabbit – Brown Ale, Porter, Amber Ale, Milk Stout
• Dogfish Head- 60 Minute IPA, Shelter Pale Ale, Chicory Stout
• Shipyard – Summer Brew
• Victory Brewery – Whirlwind
• North Coast – Blue Star
• Bridgeport – IPA (Bottle conditioned)
• Ayinger – all choices
• Royal Oak – Pale Ale
• Fraziskaner – Hefeweisse and Dunkel Weisse
• Weihenstephaner – Hefe Weissbier
• Maisel's – Weisse
• Hoegaarden – Belgian Wit

Other

• Heineken
• Steamwhistle
• Amstel Light
• Duchy Original Ale Organic
• Mill Street Brewery
• Fuller's Organic
• Nelson Organic Ale
• Natureland Organic

Share This with Fellow Beer Drinkers
It's important to expose companies that use harmful ingredients in our products. This information is hidden from the public with millions of dollars of false advertising, laws, etc. You can always vote with your money. As this information about GMO beers spreads, we will see a decrease in production of these beers and the companies may eliminate the harmful ingredients altogether. Most importantly, when you hang out with your friends, you will be able to share beer that's more delicious and healthier.

If you have any additional information about GMO or non-gmo beers, or want to correct some of the information, simply e-mail us or leave a comment with evidence bellow.

 

[Mick West]

While this is obviously bunk, the idea here is to debunk things, not just repeat the bunk and marvel at it. Simply reposting bunk in a public forum is like promoting that bunk.

 

[Pete Tar]

I think there was a debunk for this, if I recall when foodbabe was promoting it.
This seems to be the one...

And while pseudo-scientific propaganda is bad enough, this particular article is made worse by the fact it's essentially a rip-off of another blog that dates back to July of 2013 – The Shocking Ingredients In Beerby "Food Babe."

Folks, here's a tip: if you see something that looks like Earth-shattering news, but the byline is some generic username and not a real person's name, you know it's garbage. A real journalist would put their real name on it. Someone looking to make a quick buck or a publicity whore would hide behind an avatar.

Thankfully, there's a legitimate rebuttal to this pack of lies. Ms. Ogle contacted several professional brewers who respond to the [false] claims with actual science, as well as explaining brewing industry processes and regulations. Please share this article with anyone suckered by the propaganda. Technically, it's a rebuttal to the "Food Babe" post, but since "mr.z" basically plagiarized that piece, the points are equally valid.
....
http://blog.timesunion.com/beer/debunking-8-beers-that-you-should-stop-drinking-immediately/2425/

 

[eline65]

I tip my New Castle to you Sir Pete!

 

[Efftup]

I love the fact the harmful list includes NATURAL INGREDIENTS.
I thought all the bunk about food was supposed to say natural is automatically better than synthetic, whatever it is and even if the two are identical.

 

[Whitebeard]

I prefer organic farmhouse cider anyway, not cos I'm an organic food fan, nor cos I'm tryna avoid GMO, its just that it tastes better and gets you pissed nicely. If you have never tried it, come to the west country and get some straight from the farm, failing that find a pub that pumps Black Rat or Old Rosie.

 

[eline65]

I love the fact the harmful list includes NATURAL INGREDIENTS.
I thought all the bunk about food was supposed to say natural is automatically better than synthetic, whatever it is and even if the two are identical.

I think I'll pick me up some organically grown hemlock. That's good for be because it's natural. Right?

 

[Whitebeard]

I think I'll pick me up some organically grown hemlock. That's good for be because it's natural. Right?

Greek philosophers swore by it

 

[jonnyH]

I note the conspicuous absence of alcohol from both the list of "harmful ingredients that are commonly found in beer" and my friday night thus far.

I will be rectifying the latter with a trip to Fanny's, @Whitebeard I'll be giving the Old Rosie a miss though since the aftertaste of rotten apples haunts me for days.

 

[Efftup]

Yeah, Food babe wants to hassle beer companies for using isinglass, and claims it is carcinogenic, and will guzzle wine to the point she gets a hangover (cos she apparently has a great cure).

 

[NoParty]

Greek philosophers swore by it

Too soon!!!