Ukraine wine with high copper levels found in China

Twenty boxes of imported white wines with copper levels twice the maximum allowed under China’s national food-safety standards, have been detected in Guangzhou, according to South Daily Post.

Guangzhou Huangpu Inspection and Quarantine Bureau claimed that the 240 bottles of wines were imported from Ukraine. The wines have already been destroyed in accordance with Chinese regulations.

Copper is an essential mineral required by the body as it helps keep blood vessels, bones, nerves and the immune system healthy. However, over-consumption of copper can lead to cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting in the short term, and can lead to depression, schizophrenia and hypertension in the long term. Copper in large amounts can even be fatal.

The excess copper may have come from the contaminated soils and heavy use of fertilisers. Also, extended contact with metal containers during winemaking process may contribute to increased levels of heavy metal, an expert from Guangzhou Huangpu Inspection and Quarantine Bureau told the Post.

It was reported that since 2000, Ukraine’s wine production and wine exports have increased rapidly due to market demand and national economic recovery. However, a lack of wine management systems and wine quality testing has lead to a large potion of fake and low-quality wines in Ukraine wine market, the Post reported.