Document 4a2k88nJ6NdYjZnOB5gDJ3z3Q

Ad d ress : W ines a.'WI NE I NSTI TUTE_________ jfprkfei.IS. THE MOST HEALTHFUL. AND MOST HYGIENIC OF ALL BEVERAGES^gwi^&sfe 717 M A RKET ST R EET SAN F R A N CI SCO CA LI F O R N I A 9 410 3 April 4, I960 Dr. Robert A. Kehoe Professor Emeritus of Occupational Medicine UNIVERSITY OF CifflCINNATI COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Department of Environmental Health Kettering Laboratory Eden and Bethesda Avenues Cincinnati, Ohio 45219 Dear Dr. Kehoe: This is in reference to m y letter of April 2 5 , 19 6 7 an<3- our Previous correspondence concerning the possibility of migration of lead from foil capsules into bottled wine. In my opinion such a possibility would be so remote as to be practically impossible. In my last letter I told you that I would attempt to ascertain the composition of the so-called lead capsules in current use but that it would take some time. Indeed it has, but after lengthy correspondence I found that the capsules are tin coated on both sides and then cov ered with a clear acid resistant coating or lacquer similar to that used for liners in the tin can industry. Oddly enough the coating in this case Is to protect the capsule and to keep it from being scuffed and unattractive to the consumer...not the protection of merchandise, though, of course, it affords a protective coating at the same time. Very little California wine is sealed with the so-called lead cap sules. Most California bottled wine is sealed with tin plate screw caps, aluminum caps (75 per cent), wood top corks, aluminum capsules, and plastic capsules. I am convinced that the foils used currently could not add to the total human consumption of lead, which I believe is your primary interest. If you plan to be in San Francisco again this winter, I would consider it a privilege to take you to luncheon and discuss this with you fur ther. It is always refreshing to meet someone who has a genuine in terest in our industry. Very truly yours, WINE INSTITOTE , M HC:eb KB 0015OS2 M \ \ Vfc Hugh Coo\c, Director Technical Division