Central Valley Wine Bottle Maker Sued Over Putting Arsenic, Other Toxic Materials Into Glass

MODESTO (KPIX 5) – A company in Modesto that makes wine bottles is being sued by the state over claims of putting toxic materials into its glass.

The state claims Gallo Glass company put recycled lead, arsenic and selenium in their bottles, which are all byproducts of making glass.

While the Department of Toxic Substances Control said there is no evidence drinking from those bottles poses a health risk, they said Gallo was not recycling the dust properly.

"We believe when the facts of the case are presented, that it will be very clear that the position we've taken and our use of material has been very appropriate and compliance with state law," said Chris Savage of Gallo Glass.

The plant said they pride themselves of using environmentally-friendly practices.

Both sides said settling the case out of court is a possibility.