Trace the Benefits of Copper

7. Copper Leaching

Metallic copper can leach into acidic foods and beverages and lead to toxicity. Several states have adopted the FDA Model Food Code, which mandates that copper must not come into direct contact with foods that have a pH below 6.0, such as chocolate, cheese, fruit juice, vinegar, and alcoholic drinks such as the Moscow mule (which is often served in a copper cup). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have determined that drinking water should contain between 1.3 to 2 mg per liter to avoid copper poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that copper levels in surface and groundwater are generally low, but elevated levels may enter the environment through wastewater releases from agricultural, manufacturing, and mining operations.