We uncork it on important days, we share it with friends and, now that Christmas is approaching, it will be even more present on our tables. Let’s talk about prosecco, the undisputed protagonist of our toasts. But what is really hidden in these inviting bottles?
A laboratory investigation, conducted by The Lifesaver on 15 labels (none organic), he discovered that all the bottles tested contained residues of pesticides and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the so-called “eternal pollutants”.
We’ll specify right away, all the active ingredients were within the legal limits, but this doesn’t entirely reassure us, considering the possible cocktail effect (which we’ll talk about below).
The analysis involved some of the best-known brands on the market, ranging from premium labels to those of large-scale retail trade. The results show widespread contamination that does not spare any price range or denomination of origin.
A cocktail of pesticides
One of the most alarming aspects that emerged from the investigation concerns the simultaneous presence of multiple pesticide residues. In some samples, up to 10 different active ingredients were identified in the same bottle. Although none of the substances detected individually exceeded the legal limits, the question of the cocktail effect remains open and the subject of debate in the scientific community.
The “cocktail effect” refers to the interaction between multiple chemical substances present in the body at the same time, which can amplify their toxic effects even when each of them is present at levels considered safe. Scientific research on the combined effects of pesticides and PFAS is still developing: numerous experimental studies show potential risks to the endocrine system, liver, heart and reproduction, but many unknowns remain about how long-term exposure can affect human health.
Experts agree on the fact that, while respecting the legal limits, the simultaneous presence of multiple residues requires caution and further investigation.
Among the pesticides most frequently detected in prosecco are fenhexamid, metalaxyl and various trace substances.
The Pfas alarm
Another surprising fact concerns trifluoroacetic acid (Tfa), a metabolite deriving from the degradation of Pfas, present in many plant protection products, i.e. pesticides.
All samples analyzed showed concentrations between 38,000 and 60,000 nanograms per liter, values that far exceed the quality objectives established for drinking water.
According to experts, these levels are 3.8 to 6 times higher than the reference value indicated by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità for drinking water, which will become binding in Italy from January 2027. Given that there are currently no official limits for PFAS in wine, Salvagente took the indicative value for water as a reference, to provide a basis for comparison on the safety of the samples analyzed.
We remind you that Pfas are classified as potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, linked to liver, cardiovascular and reproductive diseases. And the problem becomes worse considering that exposure to these substances occurs through multiple sources: water, food and the surrounding environment. The progressive accumulation in the body therefore amplifies potential health risks.
The worst proseccos according to the test
The survey gave 5 labels the lowest score of 3.5 out of 10, highlighting particularly significant contamination.
These are:
Among the 15 samples analyzed, only two proseccos managed to exceed the sufficiency threshold, obtaining slightly higher scores. This data underlines how contamination is a transversal phenomenon that affects practically the entire production sector, regardless of the price range or brand awareness.
We remind you that the bottles of prosecco were evaluated exclusively for the presence of contaminants, without considering organoleptic or taste characteristics.
To find out all the detailed test results and the complete list of labels analyzed, refer to the December issue of The Lifesaver.
