New findings from advocacy-led analysis highlight widespread herbicide residues in breakfast products and ongoing disagreement among regulators and researchers.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Independent laboratory testing commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found glyphosate residues in the majority of oat-based breakfast products, raising new questions about consumer exposure to the widely used herbicide.
According to the group’s findings, glyphosate—the active ingredient in Roundup—was detected in 43 out of 45 conventional oat product samples. A subsequent round of testing identified the chemical in every oat-based product analyzed, further underscoring its prevalence in the food supply.
The testing was conducted by independent laboratories, as manufacturers are not required under federal law to disclose glyphosate levels in food products. The Environmental Working Group said the analysis was intended to provide greater transparency regarding dietary exposure.
Results showed that nearly three-quarters of the conventional products tested contained glyphosate levels exceeding a benchmark of 160 parts per billion established by the group for children’s safety. Organic products were also affected, with about one-third of samples testing positive, though at lower concentrations that fell within the group’s defined threshold.
Regulatory agencies and scientific bodies continue to differ in their assessments of glyphosate’s safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a daily intake tolerance level of 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight from food exposure. In contrast, California’s Proposition 65 framework lists glyphosate as a chemical associated with cancer risk and recommends a substantially lower exposure level.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” in 2015, a determination that has remained central to ongoing scientific and legal disputes over the chemical.
Glyphosate is among the most widely used pesticides in the United States, with agricultural data indicating that more than 250 million pounds are applied annually. In addition to weed control, it is sometimes used as a pre-harvest drying agent on crops such as oats and wheat, a practice that can contribute to residue levels in finished food products.
Researchers and agricultural experts note that contamination of organic crops can occur through environmental factors such as drift from nearby fields, as well as through soil and water pathways, making complete avoidance difficult.
The issue has also been the subject of extensive litigation. Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, has faced thousands of lawsuits alleging that exposure to Roundup contributed to cancer diagnoses. In one widely cited case in 2018, a jury awarded $289 million in damages to a plaintiff, according to court records.
Consumer advocacy organizations have called for stricter oversight and clearer labeling of pesticide residues in food products. The findings have drawn particular attention to cereals and other products commonly marketed to children.
Some manufacturers and retailers have responded to consumer concerns by implementing voluntary testing programs aimed at verifying low or non-detectable levels of glyphosate in their products.
The Environmental Working Group’s report adds to ongoing discussions about the balance between agricultural practices, regulatory standards, and public health considerations as consumers seek more information about the contents of everyday food items.
Source: Natural News
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