This is why your Moscow Mules can't be served in Iowa in a solid copper mug
Aaron YoungDo you enjoy Moscow Mules? Iowans are going to have to start drinking them as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks without the solid copper mugs.
In a news bulletin last week, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division announced that the state has adopted the federal FDA code that "prohibits copper from coming into direct contact with foods that have a pH below 6.0."
High concentrations of copper are poisonous and have caused foodborne illness.
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The pH of a traditional Moscow Mule is well below 6.0, the bulletin stated, implying that copper mugs with a copper interior can't be used. Other beverages below a 6.0 reading include fruit juice, vinegar and wine.
"However, copper mugs lined on the interior with another metal, such as nickel or stainless steel, are allowed to be used and are widely available," the bulletin said.
Go to dia.iowa.gov for more information.
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