Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

In beer brewing, which metal is notably an exception for use with beverages of low pH?

1. Nickel

2. Copper

3. Iron

4. Zinc

The correct answer is: Copper

In the context of beer brewing, copper is notably an exception when it comes to its use with beverages that have a low pH. Low pH environments, which are typically more acidic, can lead to the leaching of copper into the beverage. While copper is sometimes used in brewing due to its heat conductivity and effectiveness in certain processes, it is not ideal for beverages with low pH because it can react with the acidity, potentially leading to off-flavors or toxicity. Furthermore, while nickel, iron, and zinc can also interact with beverages during brewing, they do not have the same level of concern regarding adverse reactions in low pH conditions as copper does. This makes copper the standout metal that brewers must be particularly cautious about when working within acidic environments, making it the correct answer in this scenario.