Expert: Matt Dick - 5/7/2008

Question
When transferring from my primary to secondary fermenter, I accidentally didn't clear out my siphon line of the iodide/water sterilizer mix, and just let it start flowing.  Will this noticably affect the final product?

Answer
Mike,

I would be very careful.  While Iodine is critical for biological function, it is also toxic at high levels.  The sources I've consulted, mostly the CDC's public report on Iodine, tell me that while most healthy adults can tolerate a wide range of Iodine, too much can be toxic to your thyroid.  

If you can determine how much of the element is in your batch, and from that extrapolate that you are below the 10-15 mg range, you'll be fine.  If you can not guarantee that you are below that threshold then I would do the research to find out for yourself how dangerous it could be.

I did only about an hour of research and aside from that hour I am not qualified on these matters.  You really need to go research it yourself.

So good luck.  Making a fresh batch will be really frustrating, and I'm sorry if you have to go that route, but much better to be safe than sorry about this.

Cheers,
Matt