Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

What kind of beverages should not be stored in copper vessels?

1. Non-acidic beverages

2. Alcoholic beverages

3. Acidic beverages

4. Soft drinks

The correct answer is: Acidic beverages

Storing acidic beverages in copper vessels can lead to chemical reactions that pose health risks. When substances such as those found in acidic beverages—like citrus juices, vinegar, or certain carbonated drinks—interact with the copper, they can cause copper to leach into the liquid. High levels of copper consumption may lead to copper toxicity, which can cause gastrointestinal disturbances and other health issues. In contrast, storing non-acidic beverages is generally safer, as they do not trigger the same harmful reactions with copper. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and other beverages that are not acidic do not pose the same risks as acidic drinks do when it comes to being stored in copper containers. Thus, it’s specifically the acidic beverages that should be avoided to ensure safety and prevent leaching of copper into the drink.