Iowa: Iowa Businesses Prohibited From Serving Alcohol in Solid Copper Mugs

Source: WHO TV 13

July 30, 2017

The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division is reminding bars and restaurants they cannot serve beverages in solid copper cups.

Iowa has adopted the FDA’s code that prohibits copper from coming into direct contact with foods that have a pH below 6. This includes vinegar, fruit juice, and wine, and the popular Moscow mules, typically served in a copper mug.

High concentrations of copper are poisonous and have caused foodborne illness when coming into direct contact with food and beverages. Cups that are lined with another metal, such as nickel or stainless steel, are allowed.