Higher lead levels were found in samples of wines poured from the bottle than in unpoured samples. Based on these findings, FDA proposed a regulation to declare lead foil wraps for wines to be a food additive that is unsafe, and further to prohibit the use of such wraps on wine bottles. Many wine producers in the United States and Europe have already stopped using them. FDA advises consumers to wipe the rim and top of the cork of wine bottles sealed with foil with a cloth dampened with water or lemon juice before removing the cork. Pregnant and lactating women have long been advised to avoid alcoholic beverages, including wine.
Lead contamination is another good reason for pregnant women to refrain from drinking wine.
Crystal Ware Recent studies have found that lead can leach into food from lead crystal hollowware. The International Crystal Federation has provided FDA a report of its research on lead leaching into food and alcoholic beverages, and the industry has started a program in which manufacturers share technological developments to reduce lead leaching. Also FDA has initiated studies of its own on lead leaching from crystalware. Until FDA reviews all the data and determines what further actions, if any, need to be taken, the agency advises consumers not to store alcoholic beverages in lead crystal decanters, and pregnant women not to routinely drink from lead crystal glasses. Infants should not be fed with lead crystal baby bottles.