The Chlormequat Controversy: Is the Pesticide in Your Cereal?
In February 2024, a peer-reviewed study commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) brought a relatively unknown pesticide, chlormequat, to the forefront of consumer fears. The study found detectable levels of the chemical in 92% of non-organic oat-based foods purchased in May 2023, with Cheerios and other popular brands frequently testing positive. Even more concerning, the study detected the chemical in 80% of U.S. urine samples from adults, with concentrations showing an upward trend over time.
Chlormequat Explained
Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator used primarily to keep grains like oats from bending over, which makes harvesting easier. While its use on food crops grown in the United States was historically prohibited, the EPA allowed residues on imported oats starting in 2018 and increased tolerance levels in 2020. The EPA has received an application to permit domestic use, a move strongly opposed by EWG. Animal studies cited by EWG have linked chlormequat exposure to reduced fertility, disrupted fetal growth, and delayed puberty, leading to alarm bells about potential human harm. However, other studies have shown mixed or contradictory results in animals, and no conclusive human-specific research exists on the effects of dietary exposure. General Mills has stated that its products adhere to all regulatory requirements. A class-action lawsuit filed against General Mills over chlormequat was voluntarily dismissed in June 2024.
Revisiting the Glyphosate Debate
Before chlormequat, glyphosate—the active ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup—was the primary pesticide concern associated with Cheerios. EWG tests in 2018 and 2019 detected glyphosate in numerous oat products, often exceeding EWG’s stricter health benchmarks, though remaining within the much higher legal limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This debate highlights a significant difference in perspective between advocacy groups and regulators regarding what constitutes a safe level of exposure.
The cancer risk associated with glyphosate is also contentious. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a “probable human carcinogen,” while the EPA and other regulatory bodies concluded it is “unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans”. The risk from pesticide residues is considered a long-term exposure issue, so immediate danger from occasional consumption is low. General Mills has stated it encourages farmers to find alternative methods for crop desiccation but has not banned glyphosate outright.
The Silent Threat: Plasticizer Chemicals in Your Cereal Box
In early 2024, Consumer Reports (CR) and CBS News reported finding potentially harmful plasticizer chemicals, known as phthalates, in a wide range of popular packaged foods, including Cheerios. Phthalates can migrate into food from plastic packaging, processing equipment like tubing and conveyor belts, and even plastic gloves. CR tests found concerning levels in several General Mills products and launched a petition urging the company to take action. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormones, and have been linked to potential health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and infertility. While CR acknowledges that total elimination is difficult due to the ubiquity of plastics, their tests showed some brands had significantly lower levels, demonstrating that reduction is possible. General Mills has generally stated that its products meet regulatory requirements but did not offer a specific public comment on the CR findings when reported.
Navigating Conflicting Information: Is the Health Halo Gone?
With whole grain oats and fortification, Cheerios has long held a "health halo" as a wholesome choice for families and a first finger food for toddlers. While the base cereal contains beneficial whole grains and nutrients like iron and fiber, this image is complicated by the recent chemical findings. Concerns over flavored varieties containing high levels of added sugar also continue to be a factor for health-conscious consumers. The key takeaway for consumers is to be aware of the processing and potential contamination risks associated with conventional cereal products.
Comparison of Conventional vs. Organic Oats
| Feature | Conventional Oats (including non-organic Cheerios) | Organic Oats (found in organic cereals) |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Use | Chlormequat and glyphosate are commonly used. | Synthetic pesticides like chlormequat and glyphosate are prohibited by law. |
| Pesticide Detection | High rate of chlormequat detection (92% of samples) and frequent glyphosate detection. | Much lower rate of chlormequat detection (one in seven samples), often attributed to drift or cross-contamination. |
| Plasticizer Detection | Potentially higher risk of contamination from plastic packaging and equipment. | Organic food processing also uses plastic, so contamination is possible, but some studies show lower levels are achievable. |
| Regulatory Adherence | Within legal EPA limits for pesticides, despite potentially exceeding stricter EWG benchmarks. | Adheres to USDA organic standards, which prohibits the use of many synthetic pesticides. |
Healthier Cereal Alternatives
For those seeking alternatives to Cheerios, numerous choices can help minimize chemical exposure while still providing nutritional benefits.
- Certified Organic Oat Cereals: Brands like Nature's Path Organic EnviroKidz or others found in natural food stores are made with organic oats, significantly reducing the risk of chlormequat and glyphosate. Look for the USDA Certified Organic seal.
- Other Organic O-shaped Cereals: Brands like Lovebird Cereal (cassava-based) and Three Wishes (chickpea-based) offer grain-free, low-sugar alternatives that come in 'O' shapes.
- Plain Steel-Cut or Rolled Oats: Making your own oatmeal from organic, unprocessed oats offers the purest form of whole grains and fiber.
- Alternative Breakfasts: Consider diversifying your breakfast routine with whole foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, or fruit to reduce reliance on processed cereals.
The Verdict: Proceed with Informed Caution
So, are Cheerios safe to eat now? For most people, consuming Cheerios in moderation is unlikely to cause immediate health problems. The risk from these contaminants is primarily associated with long-term exposure, and regulatory bodies maintain that current levels are within acceptable safety limits. However, recent findings regarding chlormequat and phthalates add new layers of concern, especially for children and pregnant women, populations that may be more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
Making informed choices is crucial. For those wishing to minimize potential risks, switching to certified organic versions of oat-based products is the most direct way to reduce exposure to chlormequat and glyphosate. Paying attention to packaging and choosing brands that actively address plasticizer concerns can also help. Ultimately, the decision rests with the individual, based on their comfort level with the potential risks and a broader consideration of a balanced, whole-foods-focused diet.
EWG investigation finds dangerous agricultural chemical chlormequat in popular oat-based foods
