Buying Beer: Safe And Secure Transactions

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage with a long history, but is it safe to buy and consume? This question has multiple facets, including the potential health impacts of alcohol, the safety of homebrewed beer, and the risks of spoilage or contamination in commercially produced beer.

Firstly, it is essential to recognise that alcohol, including beer, is classified as a toxic, dependence-producing substance, and no amount of alcohol consumption is considered safe for health. Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, including common cancer types such as bowel and breast cancer. Additionally, excessive alcohol intake can lead to health issues such as depression, weight gain, and liver disease.

When it comes to commercially produced beer, it is generally safe to consume when purchased from reputable sources and within its expiration or best before date. Beer is made from natural, plant-based raw materials, which can decay over time, leading to spoilage. Proper storage conditions, such as refrigeration and protection from light exposure, can help extend the shelf life of beer.

Homebrewed beer, on the other hand, may pose additional safety considerations. While it is unlikely to cause serious illness, improper sanitation or the presence of cleaning chemicals can be harmful. Unpasteurised craft beer, in particular, should be consumed fresh as it is more susceptible to bacterial growth.

In summary, while commercially produced beer is generally safe to buy and consume in moderation, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with alcohol and to prioritise fresh, properly stored beer to minimise the risk of spoilage and ensure optimal taste.

Beer's health effects

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage that has been consumed for thousands of years. While drinking one or two standard beers (12 ounces or 355 mL) per day may have some health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to various negative health consequences. Here are some of the potential health effects of beer consumption:

Positive Health Effects:

• Heart Health: Several studies suggest that light to moderate beer intake may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease. This effect is comparable to the benefits of wine consumption.
• Blood Sugar Control: Light to moderate alcohol intake can improve blood sugar control, which is beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
• Bone Density: Low to moderate beer consumption may contribute to stronger bones in both men and women.
• Dementia Risk: Light to moderate alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of dementia.

Negative Health Effects:

• Depression: Heavy and binge drinking are associated with a significantly higher risk of depression compared to moderate drinkers and nondrinkers.
• Liver Disease: Consuming more than 30 grams of alcohol per day, which is roughly two to three 12-ounce bottles of beer, can increase the risk of liver diseases like cirrhosis.
• Weight Gain: Beer contains approximately 153 calories per 12-ounce serving. Excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain.
• Cancer: Any alcohol intake, including beer, is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, such as throat, mouth, and breast cancer.
• Early Death: Heavy and binge drinkers have a higher risk of early death compared to moderate drinkers and nondrinkers.
• Alcohol Dependence: Frequent and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder.
• Digestive Issues: Alcohol can irritate the small intestine and colon, affecting normal digestion and causing abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
• Sleep Disruption: Alcohol can impair sleep quality, even when consumed in light amounts.

Expiry and spoilage

Beer is perishable and has a limited shelf life. While it may not be unsafe for consumption, it will eventually go flat and develop an unpleasant taste and odour over time. Beer is made from natural, plant-based raw materials that will decay, and the growth of bacteria and chemical reactions are inevitable, even with modern preservation methods.

Beer typically has a "best before" date, which is a guideline for optimal quality rather than safety. It will start to lose quality after this date, and the flavour may deteriorate, but it is usually still safe for consumption. However, if a beer has a "use by" date, it should be consumed before this date, as it may become unsafe.

The shelf life of beer varies depending on the type of beer and how it is packaged and stored. Sealed beer can last between 6 to 12 months without refrigeration, and even longer if stored in a refrigerator. Opened beer has a much shorter lifespan as it quickly loses carbonation.

Higher ABV beers (8% and above) like stouts and barley wines can improve with age if stored properly. On the other hand, IPAs and other hoppy beers are best consumed fresh, as they gradually lose their flavour and aroma over time.

There are several signs to look out for to determine if a beer has gone bad. Firstly, check if it makes the signature hissing sound when opened, indicating carbonation. Fresh beer will also typically have foam rising to the top. If the beer has lost its carbonation, it may have gone flat.

Inspect the bottle or can for any signs of leakage, which could indicate that the beer has been exposed to high temperatures. Check the label for dust, as this may indicate that the beer has been sitting on the shelf for a while. Additionally, hold the bottle up to the light and look for any sediments at the bottom, which could affect the taste. However, in some bottle-conditioned beers, such as German Weissbier and Belgian Dubbel, yeast sediments are normal.

The taste and aroma of the beer can also indicate spoilage. Bad beer may taste like wet cardboard, be overly sweet, or have a skunky odour and flavour, which is caused by exposure to light, specifically ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can happen in any beer but is more common in beers with higher hop content, such as IPAs.

Storage tips to maintain freshness

To maintain the freshness of beer, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place, preferably a refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, choose a cool, dark room with minimal temperature fluctuations, such as a basement. Additionally, beer should be stored upright to minimise the surface area exposed to oxidation.

Storage

Storing beer properly is essential to ensure its quality and freshness. Here are some key tips for storing your beer:

Temperature

Beer should be stored in a cool place, preferably between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 13 degrees Celsius). Sealed bottles and cans can be stored in colder conditions, such as a refrigerator, to extend their shelf life. On the other hand, opened beer should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days to a week to maintain freshness.

Light Exposure

Light, especially UV light, can cause beer to become "skunky" or "light-struck" due to a chemical reaction with the hops in the beer. This reaction can occur within minutes in direct sunlight or within hours in indirect light. Therefore, it is crucial to store beer in a dark place, such as a basement or a pantry, away from direct sunlight.

Oxygen Exposure

Oxygen exposure can cause oxidation in beer, leading to flavour and colour changes. To minimise oxygen exposure, beer should be stored upright, reducing the surface area in contact with oxygen. Additionally, seal the bottles or cans tightly to prevent air exposure.

Type of Beer

The type of beer also affects its storage requirements. Unopened beer with high alcohol content, such as stouts and Belgian beers, can mellow with age. However, most beers are best consumed fresh. For IPAs and pale ales, avoid buying beer bottled more than a month ago, and try to consume it within a month or two of the "best by" date.

Packaging

The packaging material can also impact the shelf life of beer. Beer stored in kegs is impenetrable to oxygen and light. Aluminium cans are also effective in blocking out direct sunlight and oxygen. When it comes to bottles, brown glass offers the best protection against UV rays, while clear and green glass bottles offer less resistance to sunlight.

In summary, proper beer storage involves maintaining cool temperatures, minimising light and oxygen exposure, considering the type of beer and its packaging, and ensuring sealed bottles or cans. By following these guidelines, you can maximise the shelf life and quality of your beer.

Alcohol content

Most beers on the market today have an ABV ranging from 4% to 7%, with an average of around 5%. However, it's important to note that the alcohol content can go as low as 0% for non-alcoholic options and as high as 40% in some cases. The ABV of a beer can give you an idea of how strong it is and how it might affect you.

In the United States, a standard drink is defined as containing approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is typically found in 12 fluid ounces of regular beer with an ABV of 5%. This is important to keep in mind when consuming beer, as it can help you understand how much alcohol you are consuming and make informed decisions about your drinking.

When it comes to popular beer brands, the ABV can vary. For example, Budweiser has an ABV of 5%, while Bud Light has a slightly higher alcohol content at 4.2%. Some craft beers, such as IPAs, can have an even higher ABV, with some reaching 7% or more.

It's worth noting that the alcohol content of beer can also depend on how it is packaged and stored. For instance, higher ABV beers (8% and above) like stouts and barley wines can taste better with age if properly stored. On the other hand, opened beer will have a shorter lifespan as it goes flat once the airtight seal is broken, even if it is refrigerated.

In summary, the alcohol content of beer can vary widely, and it's important to check the label or do some research to know exactly what you're consuming. Understanding the ABV of the beer you're drinking can help you make informed decisions about your alcohol intake and ensure you stay within safe and healthy limits.

Safety of home-brewed beer

Home-brewed beer is generally safe to consume, and there are no known toxic microorganisms that can survive in beer. However, it is still possible for beer to get contaminated, which can result in an unpleasant drinking experience.

Contamination

Contaminated beer does not pose any serious health risks, but it will taste bad. Contamination can occur at almost every step of the brewing process, so cleanliness and sanitization are critical. Signs of contamination include foaming bottles, a horrendous smell, mold floating on top, a change in taste over time, slimy strands in the beer, and a milky layer at the top.

Safety Precautions

To avoid contamination, it is important to clean equipment thoroughly and pay attention to sanitization. This includes sanitizing anything that comes into contact with the beer, such as scissors for opening yeast packets. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid aerating hot wort and to start active fermentation as soon as possible.

Other Hazards

Aside from contamination, there are a few other hazards associated with home brewing. These include the risk of injury from handling heavy and awkward equipment, broken glass from wet and slippery carboys, and electrical hazards from appliances used in the brewing process. It is important to take precautions to minimize these risks, such as using oven mitts, investing in carboy handles, and plugging electrical devices into a GFCI outlet.

Frequently asked questions